Most adults experience joint pain at some point in their lifetime. Preventing joint pain using joint protection or energy conservation techniques can be effective in promoting lasting function.
Here are 5 tips for protecting your joints:
1. Do not work through the pain.
If you are performing some kind of activity and begin to feel pain, you should try the following steps:
• Stop the activity and take a rest break.
• Try performing the activity again. If pain persists, stop the activity and modify how you are performing the task. For instance, if you begin to feel shoulder pain when chopping vegetables, step closer to the cutting board or change the height of yourself or the table by standing or sitting in a chair.
• If pain persists, do not work through the pain.
2. Use larger joints.
Instead of lifting heavy items in the kitchen, for example, slide them across the counter. Or, if you need to lift something, hold the item close to your body and use your palms to lift, instead of the fingers.
3. Make things easy for yourself:
• Avoid tasks that cause discomfort or pain.
• Keep frequently used household items close to you and avoid reaching far or straining to perform an activity.
• For transporting groceries, try using a wheeled cart or a backpack instead of carrying groceries by hand.
4. Take a break.
If you have a lot of tasks to perform, spread the tasks throughout the day and alternate light and heavy tasks. Also, allow yourself extra time to complete tasks, so you can avoid rushing.
Take a rest break while you still have energy—do not wait until exhaustion sets in. Try taking brief and frequent rest breaks.
5. Use proper body mechanics.
Lift and carry items closer to your torso to decrease strain. Try to avoid unnecessary strain. Get heavy items delivered. And, if needed, ask for help.
If you are suffering from joint pain, call 866.804.1007 to find a doctor who can help.