Simple Steps To Make Living With Arthritis Easier

Arthritis is inflammation in the joints. Most joints in the body have the potential to develop arthritis, which causes swelling, stiffness, pain, a reduction in mobility of the joint, and sometimes deformity.
There are generally two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the more common, and tends to worsen over time. It can be the result of a traumatic injury or a defect in the cartilage; the smooth white tissue that cushions bones in the joint where they come together. Osteoarthritis affects the large weight-bearing joints in the body, such as the knees, hips, shoulder and spine, but it can also affect the small joints of the hand, most commonly the thumb. Gripping, grasping or pinching objects may become painful with this condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder that can affect any part of the body, including large or small joints, the heart, circulatory system, the lungs, the muscles used for breathing and even the digestive system.

Oftentimes joint replacement surgery is recommended if the condition becomes too painful, and interferes with the activities of daily living or the patient’s occupation. But prior to that, there are steps you can take to make your daily life more comfortable if you have arthritis.

To reduce pressure in your hands when holding or gripping objects:

Wrap foam, cloth or tape around the handles of everyday objects like knives, pots and pans, to cushion the grip. Look for household or gardening tools with larger, ergonomically-designed handles. These are available in many retail stores. Keep a pair of gardening gloves with rubberized palms in the kitchen, to help grip and hold, and use common tools like jar openers to help with household tasks.

To reduce pain or pressure before or after activities, and while sleeping:

Apply either heat or cold to the affected joints before and after activities, and before bed. Elevate and support your arms and legs on pillows when sleeping.

Reduce pain and stress on your joints:

Use carts or carriers with wheels to move heavy items like garbage bags, laundry, or grocery bags, so you don’t need to lift them. Replace round doorknobs with lever-style handles.

An entire profession, known as Occupational Therapy, is devoted to helping people with disability issues perform their jobs and household tasks more easily. They can recommend personalized adaptive equipment that will put less weight on the joints. They can also instruct patients on how to use compression garments and thermal agents (heat and cold), and can make custom splints to support or properly position your joints during activities or while sleeping. These professionals can evaluate your home environment and suggest changes or modifications that will make it easier for you to perform your activities. They can also address both the physical and emotional effects of arthritis. They can recommend therapeutic exercises and activities designed to decrease stiffness and improve endurance and strength. And they can address the emotional stress that results from lack of sleep or being in constant chronic pain.

If someone you know is struggling with arthritis, or numbness, tingling or pain in the hands, wrists, elbows or shoulders, contact Dr. Rehman and her team of Occupational Therapists today for help! Dr. Rehman is a specially-trained orthopedic doctor who specializes in conditions and injuries affecting the upper body. She will conduct a thorough evaluation and design a comprehensive, individualized treatment program to correct the problem and return the affected area to health, strength and full range of mobility.

Macomb County Arthritis Doctor: 586-532-0803