1. Keep moving
a. Avoid holding one position for long.
b. While working get up and stretch every 15 minutes.
2. Discover your strength
a. Put the strongest joints and muscles to work.
b. Push open heavy doors with the side of the arm or shoulder. It will protect finger and wrist joints.
c. While climbing up let the strong leg lead you and while going down let the weaker leg lead you. It will reduce hip or knee stress.
3. Plan ahead
a. Simplify and organize your routines so you minimize movements that are difficult or painful.
b. Keep items you need for cooking, cleaning, or hobbies near where they are needed
c. Have multiple sets of cleaning supplies, one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom
4. Make use of labor-saving devices and adaptive aids.
a. Long-handled grippers, can be designed to grasp and retrieve out-of-reach objects.
b. Rubber grips can help one get a better handle on faucets, pens, toothbrushes, and silverware.
5. Ask for help.
a. Only a very small percentage of people with arthritis become severely disabled and get dependent on others.
b. Educate family members and friends about how arthritis affects you.
c. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
[Source Harvard Healthbeat]
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