| Arthritis may hold you back or slow you down with | | | | . Use the palm of both hands to hold plates, cups, |
| all the pain and discomfort that it brings. But this | | | | pots and pans instead of gripping them with your |
| should not mean the end of the line for you. | | | | hands. This will help ease things up a little. |
| Wallowing in self-pity and despair will do no one any | | | | . Carry packages in the crook of your hands rather |
| good. It will not make the pain disappear either. | | | | than clasping them with your fingers. |
| So start living your life the way you used to. You can | | | | . Open a door by pushing it with the side your arm. |
| live gracefully even with your arthritis. Here are some | | | | . When reading, lay down the newspaper on the |
| everyday tips that can help you live a more normal | | | | table or buy a book stand to give your hands a |
| life: | | | | break. |
| Make a plan. Make it a daily ritual to spend some time | | | | . Consider using lightweight eating and cooking |
| to draft a realistic plan of what you want and need | | | | utensils. |
| to accomplish for the day. This will enable you to | | | | . Create a more comfortable grip by taping a layer or |
| prioritize your tasks and allow you to do the more | | | | two of thin foam rubber around the handles of |
| demanding ones at a time when your energy and | | | | brooms and mops. |
| enthusiasm are at their highest. | | | | Take care of your knees and back. The knees are |
| Fight the urge to overdo tasks. It is in your best | | | | also a target of arthritic pains, so it would be wise to |
| interest that you do not overdo the housework. As | | | | take special care of them. Consider these |
| much as possible, do not try to accomplish more than | | | | suggestions: |
| one major cleaning chore for a day. | | | | . Accomplishing a task while sitting down will make |
| Stretch and relax. Holding one position for a long time | | | | your energy last longer than if you would do it while |
| tends to "lock" the joints and may add to the pain | | | | standing. |
| and stiffness you might already be enduring. | | | | . If showering or taking a bath also poses some |
| Keep your stuff within reach. Here are some | | | | problems for you, have a specially made stool to |
| suggestions to make sure you don't exert extra | | | | make showering and easing on and off the tub a |
| effort to get things done. | | | | breeze. |
| . To avoid undue strain, have the shelves and racks in | | | | . Bend your knees when you are reaching for or |
| the storage area adjusted within your reach. | | | | trying to lift something low or on the ground. |
| . Always wear clothes with pockets. This will help you | | | | Remember to keep your back straight as you lift. |
| keep the things you constantly need within reach. | | | | . Avoid stooping ever so often since these put undue |
| . When doing household chores such as cleaning, | | | | strain on your back and legs. For example, if tending |
| wear an apron with pockets to hold lightweight | | | | your garden necessitates you to stoop often, |
| cleaning materials. | | | | consider taking a stool with you so that you can do |
| Go easy on your hands. As much as possible, avoid | | | | your chores sitting down. |
| putting too much pressure on your fingers and avoid | | | | Don't hesitate in asking for help. Asking for help is not |
| doing tasks that require a tight grip. If this is not | | | | a sign of weakness so don't try to do things all by |
| possible, why not try to do things a little differently? | | | | your self. Ask family members and friends for |
| Try the following: | | | | assistance when you need it. |