Attain offers tips on arthritis prevention Date: 2/12/2015 According to the Arthritis Foundation, 46 million Americans live with arthritis. Arthritis symptoms limit simple everyday activities such as dressing, bathing and cooking for more than 7 million Americans. Half of those Americans are not aware of the options available to help alleviate symptoms.
The common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is a degenerative joint condition in which bone begins rubbing against bone causing the joint cartilage to deteriorate. This results in inflammation, pain and loss of movement. RA is an autoimmune disease causing the immune system to attack the joints causing inflammation and destruction. RA is one of the most serious and disabling types of arthritis affecting mostly women.
Arthritis can occur in any or all joints, including the small joints of the hand. Joint protection and energy conservation techniques along with proper splinting can help reduce pain, stress and inflammation of involved joints. These techniques can help prevent further deformities and increase functional independence in daily activities. Here are a few easy and inexpensive ways to protect your hands.
Give your hands a break
• If an activity causes pain, stop! Pain is one of the best indicators the body has to let you know tissue is being damaged. Listen to and respect pain
• Avoid carrying bags in your hands - this places undue stress through the finger joints.
• Use bags with shoulder straps to distribute the bag’s weight
• Hold the bottom of bags with palms up instead of using the handles. This allows the larger muscle groups to do the work (biceps) and take stress of the smaller finger joints.
• If writing is painful try using a larger grip pen with a gel tip or roller ball to decrease the amount of pressure necessary to write
• Remember to stretch and take breaks every 15 minutes during repetitive or prolonged activities such as needlework, painting, sewing, knitting and crocheting, hammering and filing.
• Use pump shampoos, conditioners and toothpaste.
• Use enlarged grips on every day equipment or tools to reduce strain (potato peelers, gardening tools, tooth brushes, hair brushes)
• Keep scissors and knives sharp to minimize force and effort
• Always use two hands when lifting heavy objects. A gallon of milk weighs about 8 pounds, and lifting it with only fingertips places excessive stress on joints
Don’t use your hand as a tool – use equipment and techniques
• Don’t tear mail open – use a letter opener
• Use utility scissors in the kitchen – do not rip open bags.
• Always use the right tool for the job – use pliers for tight pinch and a small hammer for pounding.
• Use a staple remover instead of your fingers and thumb.
• No manual can opener – go electric.
• Instead of holding open books with one hand, use a book stand to bring the book to eye level.
• Use devices to assist in holding objects (a vice, cutting board with picks to hold food, etc.)
• Use cylindrical foam to enlarge small diameter objects such as paring knives, cutlery, toothbrushes, paint brushes, pens and pencils
• Purchase lightweight-enlarged grip kitchen, gardening and workshop tools
• Use a non-slip jar opener or under-the-counter jar opener
• Consider using adaptive key turners, lamp switch enlargers, levers or door knob extenders, automatic garage door openers, electric shades, and a card holder if you play cards for extended periods of time.
When symptoms become severe
It might be time to consider hand therapy. Hand Therapists have specialized training in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. Hand therapy can play an important role in arthritis; benefits include pain reduction, increased motion and strength and, improved overall function. If you believe your condition would benefit from hand therapy, contact your physician and request a hand therapy referral.
Tips offered by MaryLynn Jacobs, MS OTR/L CHT from Attain Therapy + Fitness. For more information, call 526-9924 or visit www.AttainTF.com.
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