If you have psoriatic
arthritis (PsA), you know that managing the pain is an ongoing endeavor. While
there's no cure for the disease, there are proven ways to reduce or lessen your
pain.
Learning how to position your
body and using adaptive devices can help you live confidently with PsA and
avoid additional joint damage.
Body Positioning
Proper body positioning can
make you more comfortable during a PsA flare-up, as well as preventing undue
strain on your joints at all times. Because your joints are already
compromised, they can undergo further damage easily. You'll need to do what you
can to protect them.
Here are three helpful tips:
- Be mindful of how you sit and stand. For example, when doing an activity that involves
working close to the floor, sit down instead of crouching or kneeling. Crouching
or kneeling can add additional stress to your knees and ankles. These positions
may even cause more intense pain.
- Think about how you hold onto things. Grasp items firmly, but loosely. When grasping items make
sure that your knuckles are in alignment. Also, when reading, lay a book or
magazine on your open hands or lap while you read rather than tightly gripping
the front and back covers. A very tight grip might cause irregular positioning
of your knuckles, which leads to more wear and tear.
- Keep sore joints in alignment. Situating your joints with the rest of your body is a
good way to protect them and address pain. For example, tuck a pillow under
your hip or between your knees to achieve more restful and pain-free sleep.
Adaptive Devices
People with PsA can encounter
difficulties in all aspects of life, whether at home, at work, or outside.
Although your range of motion may be limited, taking advantage of modern
technology can increase your productivity and protect your joints at the same
time.
Here are some ideas to make
your everyday life simpler:
- Pencil
grips can be added to toothbrushes and eating utensils to make them easier to
grasp.
- Buttoners
and long-stemmed shoehorns might make getting dressed less frustrating.
- Easy-to-grip
kitchen tools, such as jar and can openers, can make cooking easier on your
joints.
- Reacher
poles, grabbers, or any device with a claw-like fixture on the end, can help you
access the high cupboards without straining your neck or standing on a chair.
- Phones
and keyboards with large keys can help you get in a full day's work with ease.
- Bathtub
safety bars can help prevent falls.
- Lightweight
garden hoses, playing card holders, and hands-free needlework frames can allow
you to enjoy your favorite hobbies without pain.
Joint protection is important
for everyone, but especially those with PsA. Consult your doctor or physical therapist
to learn about proper postures for your needs as well as other devices that
might be available for your home or office.
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