Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis continued – 2nd rule for protecting your joints
This article is the fourth in a series. The best way to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is by following an integrated (different parts working together) treatment plan as explained in the third article. There are 6 rules to protect your joints – the third article explained the 1st rule.
2. Use larger, stronger joints
Large joints are stronger than small ones. Save your smaller, weaker joints for the specific jobs that only they can accomplish, and favour large joints when possible.
• Slide heavy objects on kitchen tops rather than picking them up.
• Carry objects with your palm open, distributing the weight equally over your forearm.
• Lift with the forearm or shoulder rather than fingers.
• Use your palms instead of your fingers to lift or push.
• Use your hip or shoulder instead of your hand to close drawers and doors.
• Carry a backpack instead of holding a purse in your hand or carry bags on your shoulder or forearm.
• Keep small items close to your body and try to spread the load over several joints.
– Use two hands and avoid gripping with your thumb.
– Keep as much of your hand as possible in contact with the object.
• Hug bigger objects close to your body so the weight is supported by larger, stronger joints.
• Rest your hands flat and open rather than in a tight fist.
It is important to use proper body mechanics and to avoid continuous weight-bearing. Strain from an activity can more easily be managed by using larger, stronger joints to help distribute load/weight. This helps to spread the stress over a larger area and decreases the pressure on smaller, weaker joints.
Chanel McCabe