| 1. Use joints in a stable position | • Sit or stand as close as you can when working at a table or bench as this reduces stretching • and bending. • Use a grip that keeps the wrists straight and the fingers in line with the wrist as much as • possible. |
| 2. Avoid activities that do not allow for a change of position | • Be mindful of how long you have been doing specific activities, joint and muscles do not like to be held in the same position. They become stiff and work less effectively which leads to pain, damage and further deformity. When writing, doing hand work, release your grip every 10 to 15 minutes. On long car trips, get out of the car, stretch and move around at least every one to two hours. |
| 3. Respect pain | • If you have arthritis, you may always have some pain. If pain continues for hours after the activity has stopped, this indicates that the event was too much and should have been changed or stopped sooner. |
| 4. Avoid tight grips or gripping for long periods | • Gripping tightly increases pain and can cause further joint damage. Gripping small objects require greater force |
| 5. Avoid deforming positions | • When opening new or tight jars consider using a gripping aid and direct the force through the palm of your hand rather than just through the fingers. There are several types of jar opening devices. Ask others to undo the lids, while you close them. • Use a flat hand when possible for cleaning, wiping, dusting. • Try using cups with larger, straighter handles than cups with curved handles. • In general, finger motions should be in the direction of the thumb whenever possible. |
| 6. Use one large joint or many joints | • Carry objects with your palm open to distribute weight equally over your forearms. • Slide objects along a counter or workbench rather than lifting and carrying them. • Carry light bags on your shoulders rather than with your hands. • When standing up from a chair or bed, rock forward and use your leg muscles rather than pushing up from your knuckles or wrists. • Use your hip or lower leg to close drawers. |