Arthritis and work simplification

Arthritis and work simplification

The joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis can make physical work difficult. Completing even the simplest tasks can be time-consuming, painful, and stressful. However, there are techniques that make the job easier and less painful, allowing you to get more done throughout the day. Here are a few ideas to make the job easier.

Start by alternating heavy and light work. For example, in the morning you have to carry trash cans into the attic, dust the living room, vacuum, pay bills, call your doctor, and mow the front yard. Complete the tasks in this order:

1. Carrying trash cans into the attic (heavy)
2. Call a doctor (light)
3. Mowing the lawn (hard)
4. Pay bills (easy)
5. Vacuum (heavy)
6. Dust (light)

Take a rest break after every work, even if it is light, to conserve your energy. (See the article titled Arthritis and Energy Conservation.)

Next, eliminate lifting and carrying if you are able. Instead of picking up a box from a counter and carrying it across the kitchen, push it as far along the counter as possible and pick it up as needed. If you need to pick up and carry objects, divide the load into smaller amounts to lighten the weight and reduce stress on your joints. If you have access to one, use a dolly to push or pull heavy items rather than carrying them.

Third, keep your body in proper alignment as you do the work. If possible, keep your back straight and your hips and knees aligned. Lift an object with your back straight and knees bent, keeping the object close to your body. Rotate your entire body with your feet when the object is off the ground - do not twist your back. Push or pull objects with your back straight and body facing forward.

Another tip is to use the larger joints in your body whenever possible. Push or carry objects with your forearms instead of your hands to spread the weight of the object over a larger area. Lift with your knees instead of your back, because your knees are actually larger joints than the smaller joints between the vertebrae of your lower back. Turn open jar lids with the heel of your hand instead of your fingertips.

Finally, whenever possible, use adaptive equipment to complete the work. Large and long handled tools, carts, opening devices, and numerous other devices are readily available and inexpensive to purchase. Another article in this series will discuss adaptive devices in more detail.

These techniques can also be used on a construction site. Talk to your employer about adapting your workplace to make work easier, as most employers would prefer to allow some adjustments that come with hiring a new employee. If you put it in terms of cost savings, most employers will be willing to listen to your suggestions.

By using work simplification techniques, you can take pressure off your joints and get more work done throughout the day. Try these techniques and see if they save you pain and hassle!

Inspired by Janet Meydam