Rehabilitation Services
Joint Protection for Arthritis
- Respect for Pain
- Fear of pain can lead to unnecessary inactivity, while total disregard for pain can lead to unnecessary joint damage
- Carry out activities and exercise only up to the point of fatigue or discomfort
- Rest and Work Balance
- The most effective method to increase functional endurance is to rest before becoming exhausted
- Take a 5 – 10 minute rest during activity
- A good night’s sleep is needed for body restoration
- Reduction of Effort
- Produces less stress and less pain to involved joints
- Avoid excessive loads and heavy equipment
- Try to slide pans, rather than carry them
- Store items at appropriate heights
- Avoidance of Positions that Cause Deformity
- Avoid fingers turning toward little finger side
- Avoid a tight and prolonged grip or pinch; use built-up handles, card holders, or book stand
- Avoid flexion and rotation of the wrist during activities such as stirring; hold items with a finger grip, like a dagger
- Use two hands instead of one for carrying or lifting
- Use hand in flat position when opening jar
- Use of Larger/Stronger Joints
- Lift or carry with the forearm or shoulder rather than fingers
- Use Each Joint Its Most Stable, Anatomic Position
- Avoid or minimize excessive stretch of joint ligaments. Example: Rise from a chair symmetrically and avoid leaning to either side
- Maintain a good posture and proper work heights during work, leisure and rest
- Avoidance of Staying in One Position
- To avoid muscle fatigue and stress on ligaments
- Recommend change of position or stretch every 20 minutes
- Avoid Activities That Cannot Be Stopped
- Continuing a task in the presence of sudden or severe pain is likely to cause joint damage
- Use of Assistive Equipment
- Consider equipment such as a jar opener to protect joints from deformity and stresses