When it comes to arthritis, many people imagine curled, unmoving fingers. Though this is true in some cases, arthritis can hit us at any time and can affect any of our joints. Our back is in constant threat of chronic back pain if we don’t know how to support it properly, as we’ve mentioned in our previous blog. Our knees, hips, feet and hands are also big players when it comes to our discomfort and these joints can prevent us from going about our everyday lives, especially if they’ve been affected by arthritis.
Taking Care of Your Joints Around the House
Arthritis isn’t life threatening but it is a life changing illness. Where once you might have easily been able to make yourself a cup of tea, for instance, now you may find simply pouring the boiled water is difficult and painful. Sitting in the same position for too long can also cause discomfort with Arthritis, such as watching TV.
There are a couple of things you can do to help make your home life a little bit easier when dealing with the aches of arthritis.
Spread out your house work
Your housework may not be able to take care of itself, but it doesn’t all need to be completed in the first couple hours of the day. Spread your work load out. Take the easier, lighter tasks first and leave the heavier, harder tasks towards the end of the day. This way you don’t wear yourself out and cause yourself lasting pain throughout the day.
Make sure you can easily reach items
If you find you’re always stooping down and reaching up on your tip toes to reach cups, plates, food, washing and hobby items, perhaps it’s time to re-organise your house. Keep items in easy-to-reach places. This will help minimise your movements and prevent you from over straining your joints.
Refrain from focused lifting
If you are lifting something heavy, make sure you use more than one joint. Carry a box with two hands instead of one. Brace yourself with your thighs and your stomach, not your knees and your back. Not only will this help to prevent over straining your joints, it will help strengthen your muscles.
Take plenty of rest
Make sure you have time to rest during your busy day. Keep a stool or chair in your kitchen, take five minutes during your chores to stop and relax before getting back to it. Exercise is good for your joints, it will help you loosen up and lose weight but too much can over strain your joints and make your arthritis worse.
Install fixtures
Installing fixtures in your home can help you move about more, especially if you find yourself particularly tired. Hand rails are one option to aid movement, as is a reliable stairlift.
Delivering stair lifts all over the UK to families and businesses alike, we understand how painful arthritis can be. We supply heavy duty stairlifts, new stairlifts, reconditioned stairlifts and curved stairlifts, especially for your individual needs. For more information, contact us today on 0800 046 3438.