Arthritic Hand

I stopped drawing in May because of an arthritic right hand. Unfortunately, I still hold a pencil in a childlike grip, and never developed an "open hand" style of drawing. Now, at this age my hand cramps easily....I am conditioning my hand and attempting a more open grip but have a lot of relearning to do. Just one more reason to begin classical training at an early age. My hand doesn't hurt as much when I paint...consequently I am switching to a charcoal dust and kneaded eraser style. Time will tell.....