Have trouble opening jars and carrying groceries? Learn some easy techniques to make everyday chores easier and less painful on your joints.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
If you have arthritis, everyday tasks can put stress on joints and cause pain, but changing how you do those tasks, and shifting the load from smaller joints to larger ones, can help make things a little easier.
When stirring a pot, for example, use your arm instead of your fingers and wrist. Hold your hand in a “thumbs up” position, grab the spoon, and rotate it with your elbow.
Lift dishes with both palms instead of your fingers.
And carry heavy loads in your arms rather than your hands.
When vacuuming, instead of pushing back and forth with your elbow and shoulder, walk in a straight line behind the vacuum, using your legs and your body to push it.
Toting a purse or bag? Don’t carry it in your hands. Put it over your shoulder instead.
For tasks like zipping or buttoning your clothes, take advantage of button pullers and other tools that shift the work from finger tips to your hand.
To reduce pain from gripping objects such as utensils or tools, build up the handles with duct tape. Air conditioning insulation can also work.
By making small adjustments such as these, you can keep the pain of arthritis from getting a grip on you.