| Arthritis patients need to learn how to use joint | | | | techniques can increase the risk of getting deformities. |
| protection techniques. This article discusses some of | | | | For example, avoid positions that push your other |
| the more common ones. | | | | fingers toward your little finger. Finger motions should |
| If you go a physical or occupational therapist, you will | | | | be in the direction of your thumb whenever possible. |
| be taught specific ways to protect your joints. Here | | | | This prevents the deviation of the fingers towards the |
| are a few tips that might help prevent excessive strain | | | | little fingers that is some common in people with |
| on your joints if you suffer from arthritis... | | | | rheumatoid arthritis. Here’s an example
|
| - Pace yourself. You need to balance periods of rest | | | | instead of brushing crumbs off a table with your palm |
| and activity during the day.By managing your workload | | | | flat on the table, turn your hand so that the little finger |
| throughout the day using common sense, you can help | | | | is resting on the table and the palm is facing you. Then |
| avoid overworked joints. Work at a steady, moderate | | | | push the crumbs off the table. This will prevent the |
| pace and avoid the temptation to be rushed. Plan | | | | fingers from being pushed in the direction of your little |
| specific points when you will rest. You should do this | | | | finger. |
| before you become fatigued or sore. Alternate light | | | | - Another tip: avoid making a tight fist. Use built-up |
| and heavier activities throughout the day. Also, take | | | | handles on tools and household implements, which will |
| the time to perform periodic stretch breaks. | | | | make them easier to hold. By the same token, avoid |
| - Do not spend too much time in the same position. | | | | pinching movements between your thumb and your |
| This causes your joints to become stiff. You must | | | | fingers. For instance, hold a book, plate or mug in the |
| move! For example, if you are watching television, get | | | | palms of your hands. Use a book holder if you're |
| up and move around every half-hour. If you are doing | | | | planning on reading for long periods. Instead of a purse |
| a lot of knitting or writing, take the time every 15-20 | | | | with a handle grip, select one with a shoulder strap. |
| minutes to flex your fingers and stretch them. If you | | | | Use paper bags instead of plastic bags with handles |
| are traveling take breaks at least once an hour and | | | | for groceries. |
| stretch. | | | | - The way you carry your body largely affects how |
| - Forget the old adage, no pain no gain. If there | | | | much strain you put on your joints. Proper body |
| are activities that cause you to feel sore and achy, | | | | mechanics allow you to use your body more efficiently |
| stop doing them. There is a difference between the | | | | and conserve energy. The proper height for a work |
| mild tiredness you feel in the muscles when you do | | | | surface is 2 inches below your bent elbow when |
| something you’re unaccustomed doing and the | | | | you’re in the seated position. Make sure you |
| severe pain that comes from doing something that | | | | have good back and foot support when you sit. Your |
| isn’t good for you. Learn to recognize the | | | | forearms and upper legs should be level with the floor. |
| distinction. Learn to understand and respect your | | | | If you type at a keyboard for long periods, use a chair |
| arthritis pain. Any pain lasting longer than an hour after | | | | with arms. If your chair doesn’t have arms, |
| you do the activity means the activity is probably one | | | | consider using wrist or forearm supports. An angled |
| you should avoid. Perhaps you can modify the activity | | | | work surface, like a draftsman’s table, is good |
| somehow. You may want to postpone some activities | | | | for reading and writing and is easier on your neck. If |
| when you are having a severe flare. | | | | you work standing up, the height of your work surface |
| - Throughout the day, favor large joints. Use the | | | | should enable you to work comfortably without having |
| strongest joint available for the job. Save your smaller | | | | to stoop. Raise the height of your chair. This helps |
| joints for the specific jobs that only they can | | | | make it easier on your hips and knees as you get sit |
| accomplish. As an example, consider carrying objects | | | | down and get up. If you have to pick up items from |
| with your palm open, distributing the weight equally | | | | the floor, stoop by bending your knees and hips. One |
| over your forearm instead of the hands and wrists. | | | | other trick is to sit in a chair and bend over. Maintain |
| Using larger muscle groups will reduce stress on small | | | | good posture with shoulders back and chin slightly |
| joints. Slide objects along a counter or workbench by | | | | tucked. Pretend that there is a string attached from |
| pushing them rather than lifting them. Use a loop that | | | | the top of your head to the ceiling. It will help you stand |
| you can pull with your wrist or forearm to decrease | | | | taller and straighter.. Poor posture causes uneven |
| stress on your fingers if you need to open a cabinet. | | | | weight distribution and may strain your ligaments and |
| Don't be afraid to ask for help. | | | | muscles. |
| - The hands are the joints that are most easily | | | | - Practice range-of-motion exercises throughout the |
| stressed and subject to injury. You use your fingers in | | | | day. Do these gently.All of these tips should help you |
| many daily activities. Abnormally stressful positions and | | | | live with less pain and allow you to enjoy life more. |