therapy

Joint protection and energy conservation for arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis can cause changes in the joints of the hands. This can cause pain and problems using the hands for function. How we use our hands makes a difference to the stresses being put on the joints and if the hand is used carefully, then the stresses can be redirected in a way which does not exacerbate some of the problems which are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Hand Therapists can advise patients in the best ways to use their hands to prevent this possible damage. For example, avoiding gripping narrow and small objects tightly by providing wider grips and changing the texture of the tool you are using; spreading the strain by using larger joints, for example, using the shoulder or hips to close a door; or holding a plate with the palms of the hand rather than in a pinch grip between the thumb and index fingers.
• Additionally, Hand Therapists can advise patients about energy conservation. After all, it would be better to get to the end of the day having done the things you would like to do as well as just those activities which have to be done.