I'm afraid to draw again after injury

[maddmoniart]

Hey everyone, I've been on a hiatus since July 1st due to wrist tendonitis on my drawing hand. I have been treating it well, by doing the RICE method; (Resting, Icing, Compression, and Elevation.) For about 3 weeks It had been burning, swelling, and being very stiff. But it's no longer feeling like that as much. I feel like it will get better sooner than later, once I give it more time to heal. But now, I'm afraid to draw again. When it does get better, how do I approach sitting at my desk, lifting my pencil or digital pen to draw? Will I hurt myself again?

Help would be much appreciated.
And just for the record, I can't afford to see a doctor.

[Jenny-Toons]

I would say to ease back into it little by little. Even when you do heal up, it might help to do a few writing exercises to see if you feel any lingering soreness.

You could do so by writing on pen and paper or typing. From there, you could work up from quick drawings to what you were doing before the injury.

It can also help to talk with your doctor and express your concerns about hurting your hand again.

[JRHoch]

Carpal tunnel sufferer here. I had to give up using a mouse and use a stylus for pretty much everything.

That said, no matter what your injury, take a lot of breaks. Don't keep your hand in the same position doing the same thing for too long.

[JeanGuillet]

I crushed and broke one of my hands in an industrial accident a month and a half ago, so I've been fighting range of motion and pain issues recently too. My advice is, DO draw, it'll help you physically and psychologically to recover. BUT remember to breathe. Don't push it too much, and be aware of how your body is feeling. Take breaks every few minutes. Be happy with the progress you can make and don't don't push yourself too much. Breathing deeply has really helped me be connected with how my body is feeling and to know when to stop.

[Tanako]

I have similar issue and i think mine is RSI ( repetitive strain Injury) and this is why i'm currently on Hiatus on my comic. I only try to keep up with Patreon but posting for free is not an obligation anymore.

What i do is take frequent breaks, like alt. I try not to push my self anymore. If i cant do it i just wont. I also splint when the pain gets worst. but the trick is letting your self heal, and once that happens and you feel the itch to dray, dont dray longer than 10 minutes and take lots of breaks if you need. this is how i'm currently managing mine.

but i feel you. that pain is on another level. i cringe just thinking about it. hope you feel better soon.

[vfinnigan]

Ask your treating physician about this, then do what he or she tells you. You might need more time to recover. You might be able to start, but only by doing a little at a time and gradually working up to your normal workload. But your physician will give you the best advice on when and how to get back to drawing. And once you get the go-ahead, you'll have less to fear.

Also listen to your body. With very few exceptions, pain's a good indicator that something's wrong and that you should stop whatever it is you're doing and rest.

[DiegoPalacios]

Long ago, i had a tendinitis on my right too.......it sucks when it is in your drawing hand....

If you can handle the pencil without pain, start slowly. Maybe doing some quick sketches, but take it easy. As time goes you will gradually be able to work as much as you use to.

Keep the RICE method until it completely stops hurting.

[DruidPeter]

@Jenny-Toons is right. Slowly get yourself acclimated again by taking it one step at a time. I personally would say start drawing for just 15 minutes each day. Then, after a week, add an additional 15 minutes. Slowly, but surely, you'll be back to your normal drawing self in no time!

[BlueDragon]

I tend to agree with Vfinnigan. While I practice what some of the others have been saying, and I think it's definitely great advice to put into practice, a specialist might know more about what's actually going on with the wrist and what could damage it more.

Granted, I realize not everyone has money to go to a physician (if you're in the States. I couldn't afford it for seriously a decade. I've no experience abroad, so I have no comment on it.)

[joannekwan]

Baby steps but I suggest getting a wrist brace and train yourself to draw with your shoulder and elbow instead

[sanderserika88]

First of all, I'm glad the treatment has helped you! If I were you, I would wait for some time, for a full recovering. And maybe it is better to ask a doctor.