Helping Hands

Protecting joints is important to prevent injury and further harm. You want to reduce stress on the joints during daily activities to help relieve pain and inflammation while preserving the integrity of the joint, says Fetzer. She recommends the following:
- Respect pain. Dont work through the pain.
- Take frequent rest breaks. Balance rest with activity to let your body recover and rejuvenate.
- Organize your day. Spread out activities that might be difficult.
- Avoid painful positions, such as tight gripping or pinching.
- Use adaptive devices (see box).
- Use stronger joints for carrying objects.
- Carry objects with both hands, palms up.
- Instead of texting someone, callthem.