LOOKING AFTER YOUR JOINTS

By Janis Tepper, O.T.

lf you have arthritis, you can play an important part of taking care of your joints. Joint
protection and energy conservation are important aspects of your total care. Both
increased joint pain and unnecessary joint damage can be prevented by using the
correct method to do everyday activities. Following are just a few points to remember:

• Don't stand if you can sit when completing functional tasks. Sitting rests your
  weightbearing joints - hips, knees, ankles, and feet. You may be able to work
  at a task for a longer period of time if you are sitting. Avoid places like the
  edge of your bed which does not provide good support for your back. A good
  sitting position may be the key to working efficiently and pain-free. Try to use
  a straight-back chair, preferably with arm rests and a firm seat. Lumbar support
  is always beneficial.

• Splints may be helpful to rest joints which are inflamed and/or painful. Splints
  can also protect joints from stress or support a joint to enhance your ability to
  function independently.

• Your exercise program should be specifically designed for you and based on the
  condition of your joints and the muscles supporting those joints. Several short
  periods of exercise are always better than one long one. One of the goals is to
  prevent joint stiffness, however, exercises which are performed vigorously or
  too often may increase pain and damage your joints. The emphasis should be
  on gradual improvement

Begin today to analyze your everyday activities and work on one or two at a time.
Forming good new habits will involve much though and effort as it is an important part
of the management of your arthritis.