Five Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain

Over 50 million American adults and 300,000 children under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with arthritis. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, and it is a major cause of debilitating, life-changing pain for many Americans.

These five tips can be helpful when managing daily tasks with arthritis.

1.      Follow an arthritis-friendly diet. Eat Mediterranean-style foods with plenty of fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans. These foods are known to be anti-inflammatory and may help ease arthritic pain.

2.      Handle lightweight kitchen tools. Ergonomic, lightweight cooking tools have grips and non-slip handles that can be helpful to individuals who have arthritis. There are many choices and designs available including spatulas, spoons, ladles, whisks and more. These tools fit comfortably in the hand and can greatly improve manual dexterity, reduce pain, and compensate for swollen and deformed joints.

3.      Convenient cleaning. When cleaning house, give up that hard-to-grip dust rag. Instead, wear an old pair of gloves or socks on your hands for dusting.

4.      Sit to shower. To avoid falls in the shower, sit on a waterproof chair.

5.      Eliminate buttons. Opt for Velcro, elastic waistbands, hook-and-eye or zipper closures on pants, skirts, shirts and undergarments. For an easier grip, choose front zippers or use a zipper pull.

If you or someone you know struggles with arthritis and needs a caretaker or extra helping hands, MediNurse is here to help. We provide registered nurses and caregivers around the clock, as well as task-oriented services, such as bathing, getting up and going to bed. For those who prefer a personal caregiver, we can help find the right person, run background checks and assist with supervision or backup care. Regardless of your needs, MediNurse can help.

We understand living with arthritis pain can be difficult and sometimes frustrating. Remember, you are not alone.  For more information, call us at 314.781.2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.