Osteoarthritis: Tips for Daily Living
Making a few changes in your daily life can reduce stress on your joints. This helps protect the joints from further damage.
Your surroundings
Make your home work for you:
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Arrange cupboards, closets, desks, and drawers to reduce reaching and bending.
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Arrange furniture to make it safer and easier to get around.
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Secure or remove rugs, power cords, and other items that might make you slip or trip.
Think ahead
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| Lift items with both hands. |
Plan in advance:
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Combine errands so that you make fewer trips up and down stairs.
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Break up packages so that you carry less weight with each trip. For example, ask cashiers to use more bags for your groceries.
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If you need help with chores or errands, try to arrange for it in advance.
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If you need to lift something heavy, ask for help.
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Try to use other parts of your body if you have pain in certain joints.
Use what’s available
To rest your hands, back, and neck:
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Make sure that knives are sharp.
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Use a "reacher" or “grasper” to reach and grab.
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Use soap-on-a-rope and a long-handled scrubber in the shower or bath.
To rest your knees, hips, and lower back:
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Wear shoes that feel good, fit well, and provide good support.
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Choose chairs with firm seats and armrests.
Assistive devices
Devices are available to help you:
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In the kitchen, use lightweight dishes, cookware, and bakeware.
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Attach larger handles to keys.
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Use helpful gripping devices for opening jars.
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For gardening, use a rolling bench to sit on or to hold your tools. Use tools with padded handles.
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In the bathroom, try using installed grab bars, a raised toilet seat, or a shower seat.
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A cane, brace, or walker may help you walk more easily. Make sure that it’s correctly fitted and that you’re trained to use it.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Diane Horowitz MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
12/1/2021
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