 | Holding pots Use a pot with handles on both sides, and lift the pot with 2 hands. Push your elbows in toward your sides to engage the larger muscles of your arms, and avoid putting added pressure on the joints of your wrists and fingers. |
 | Lifting pans Avoid lifting pans by just the handle. Grasp the handle with one hand and place your other hand underneath (with a pot holder, of course). Use your arm muscles, not your wrists and fingers, to support the weight of the pan. |
 | Opening cans and jars Cans. An electric can opener works best, but if you don't have one, try this: Place your palm on the crank (ie, the part that turns) with your fingers pointed upward and your elbow away from your side. Rotate the crank with your palm and shoulder by drawing your elbow in toward your side. Avoid grabbing the crank with your fingers or turning it with your wrist. Jars. Again, an electric jar opener is best. Otherwise, it's important to learn the correct manual technique. Start by pressing down on the jar lid with your palm, and with your elbow away from your side (try not to use your fingers or wrists). Using the muscles in your shoulder and upper arm, rotate the lid by moving your elbow toward your body. |
 | Mixing and tossing Hold onto the utensils with your palms turned upward, wrists straight, and elbows bent. Mix or toss by moving your arms in a circular motion (your elbows should continuously move in toward your sides and back out again). |
 | Beating and stirring Always hold spoons or whisks with your thumb at the top of the utensil. Make sure to beat or stir from your shoulder and not your wrist. As you may have noticed, the key ingredient to all of these tips is to use your larger muscles, like the ones in your shoulders, to take pressure off your joints. So for any tasks that we didn't discuss, you can apply that same principle. Chances are you can even adapt these tips for other rooms in the house. The key is to make them a habit. Once these movements become second nature, protecting your joints will just come naturally. |
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Wellness Weekly Column
by Manette LaChance | RISE Fitness and Wellness Expert
> Manette's bio
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About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
Featured Article
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
A Recipe for Joint Care in the Kitchen
Feb 4, 2009
Aside from finding the right treatment, there are a lot of ways to take care of your joints. One simple way is to become more mindful of how you move and hold your body. This week, we'll be focusing on movements that you use in the kitchen, and we'll discuss some tips to help you take care of your joints. Just remember to consult your rheumatologist before putting these tips into practice. He or she may have some specific suggestions based on your unique situation.
Managing Pain and Stress
