Using Joints Wisely.

Last updated Thursday, January 06, 2005

Using your joints

Should people with arthritis keep active and use their joints?

If you have arthritis, it is healthy for you to keep active and to move your joints. But when your joints are inflamed (painful, warm, and swollen) or there is joint damage, you need to take certain precautions.

Overuse and abuse of joints with arthritis can lead to:

• more pain and swelling
• more joint damage
• loss of function
• loss of independence

In this article

Described in this article are some ways to reduce the stress on joints affected by arthritis while you're doing everyday tasks. You probably won't need to use all of these ideas, and you may find it hard at first to change your usual ways of doing things. But if you get into the habit of doing tasks in safer ways, you'll be rewarded with less pain, easier movement, and more energy.

You will also find listed here some examples of simple devices you may be able to use. These items are not for everyone and can be harmful if used improperly. You need to use your available motion and strength before considering a special device. It may be hard to decide when an aid is needed. Check with your doctor or with your physical or occupational therapist to make sure you're using your joints in the right way.

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