It is important to be active and maintain good movement and strength, but in the proper way. While arthritis should not” dictate your lifestyle, it may be necessary to adjust or alter the way you do some things so that you can remain mobile and independent.

Activities of daily living include preparation of food and eating, personal care and grooming, getting dressed, and walking around. By modifying some aspects of your routine you may be able to make each day a little bit easier. By following a few hints in each area you can avoid some discomfort and conserve energy to enable you to lead a more normal life.

Holding a Cup

• Avoid holding a cup this way. It causes strain on fingers and knuckles.
• Use both hands to hold a lightweight cup or a mug. Cups with larger handles help.

Carrying Dishes

• Avoid carrying dishes in one hand. It causes strain on the wrist and thumb. Use both hands. Even with both hands there is still wrist strain; but it is a workable compromise.
• If you can, avoid carrying dishes even on a tray. It can cause strain on your neck, shoulders, elbows, wrist and fingers. It is best to use a trolley.

Working with Water Taps

• Most bib type taps cause strain on wrist, thumb and fingers.
• Lever style taps are suggested. They minimize the effort and the strain on wrist, thumb and fingers.

Using a Teapot

• A lightweight or half-filled tea pots will help.
• Use both hands to hold the teapot. This distributes the weight on the wrist and forearm.
• This is the right way to hold the handle. Use a teapot with larger handle.

Wringing Out Clothes

• Avoid wringing out clothes with your hands. It strains your thumb and wrist.
• For a workable compromise twist the clothes around a tap and use both hands to twist and wring.