If you have arthritis, you know what it’s like to find yourself incapable of doing some things you used to enjoy. It’s not only frustrating, but also painful when you try to continue your favorite hobbies with arthritis of the hands.
But don’t give up just yet. There are ways to keep doing what you’ve always loved; you just need a few modifications here and there for your hands to adapt. Here are 4 ways to enjoy your favorite activities, even with arthritis.
1. Limber up
Individuals with arthritis of the hands need to be especially careful to stretch and warm up their hands before starting their hobby of choice. Here are some helpful techniques for loosening up:
-Make A Fist: Slowly curl the fingers to make a fist. Then, slowly release the hand until it’s straight again. Do this ten times on each hand.
-Finger Bends: Bend each finger, one at a time, hold for a few seconds, and straighten it out again. Do this twice on each hand.
-Make an O: Slowly curl the fingers down toward your thumb to form an “O.” Hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat on the other hand.
2. Look into ergonomic equipment
Arthritis of the hand makes gripping small objects difficult, and it causes some people to give up on their hobbies altogether. Fortunately, there are businesses that have recognized the need some people have for specialized tools.
For example, if cooking has become too much, try some ergonomic utensils or arthritis-friendly kitchen supplies. These tools feature handles that are larger and made of rubber or ribbed material for good traction. These tools are easier to grip and keep from slipping out of the hand.
Maybe you’ve given up reading novels because holding the books is simply too painful. A solution you could try is a portable book holder that fits and adjusts to books of any size. This will relieve your hands of their burden so
you can once again spend hours with your nose in a book.
3. Keep an eye on the clock
It’s all about moderation, especially when it comes to coping with hand arthritis. The disease comes with limitations, no doubt about it. Sometimes you simply have to cut back on the amount of time you spend doing certain activities.
Try cutting your usual hobby time in half. Depending on what the activity is, you might be able to handle more or less. Taking regular breaks is also important for managing your hand arthritis. Resting and stretching at regular intervals should become a habit.
Most importantly, though, always know your limits and don’t push your hands to work too hard through arthritis damage.
4. Find a friend
The more the merrier, right? If you have a friend who shares your love of gardening, for instance, plan to get together once a week and work on yard projects together. You might even recruit your kids or grandkids to give you a hand. That way, you spend quality time together while keeping your hands active.
Your hobby companion, whoever that may be, can assist you with things that have become too much for your own hands, like gripping tools and lifting heavy items. You might find that this solution is even more enjoyable than doing it solo.
Keeping your arthritic hands moving is vital to managing arthritis symptoms, but you have to know when enough is enough. Make an appointment with the Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas in Dallas or Houston to consult with a hand and wrist specialist about other ways to keep doing what makes you happy even with arthritis.
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