Protecting Your Joints: Do Range-Of-Motion Stretches

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends:

Do range-of-motion stretches. The amount you're able to move each without pain may vary from day to day. Take care not to over do it. Keep movements slow and gentle. Sudden jerking or bouncing can hurt your joints.

Take It Easy

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends:

Arthritis pain can vary each day and isn't always the result of any particular activity. Regardless of the reason, take it easy if you're experiencing joint inflammation or irritation.

Correct Hand Motions

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends:

Avoid positions that push your other fingers toward your little finger. Finger motions should be in the direction of your thumb whenever possible. For example, don't brush crumbs off a table with your palm flat on the table. Instead, turn your hand so that the little finger is resting on the table and the palm is facing you.

Avoid Making Tight Fist

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends:

Avoid making a tight fist. Thick or built-up handles can make tools, such as a vegetable peeler, easier to hold.

Correct Holding Techniques

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends:

Avoid holding items by pinching between your thumb and fingers. Hold a book, plate or mug in the palms of your hands. If you're reading for long periods, use a book holder.

Proper Work Positioning

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends:

When sitting, the proper height for a work surface is 2 inches below your bent elbow. Make sure you have good back and foot support when you sit. Your forearms and upper legs should be parallel with the floor.

Carrying Objects

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends:

Carry objects with your palm open and distribute the weight evenly over your forearm. For example, don't grasp the top edges of a box and carry it without any support underneath.

Spread the weight of a heavy object over several joints. For example, use both hands to life a heavy pan.

Balance Rest and Activity

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends balancing rest and activity. For example:

- Work at a steady, moderate pace and avoid rushing.

- Rest before you become fatigued or sore.

- Alternate light and moderate activities throughout the day.

- Take periodic stretch breaks.

Protecting Your Joints: Take Frequent Breaks

Many women suffer from joint pain, typically caused by arthritis or trauma (injury). Whatever the cause, protect your joints from unnecessary strain to keep pain to a minimum and prevent further damage.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter recommends taking frequent breaks. For example:

- When writing or doing handwork, release your grip every 10 to 15 minutes.

- On long car trips, get out of the car, stretch and move at least every hour.

- While watching television or a movie, get up and move around every 30 minutes.

- Valerie Ryan

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2002

Answers

We are always very careful.

Like,,,

One, we never leave them lying around where they might be snatched up by someone else.

Two, we make sure they aren't too wet on the glued edge when lighting because we hate it when they run. sometimes the cherry falls off and that can cause a mean burn to the skin, or possibly to the furniture or car upholstery.

LOL

[Now I've got the munchies.]

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2002

I do try not to bogart mine.

-- Anonymous, August 26, 2002