Joint protection is as important to managing arthritis as any other aspect of your treatment plan. As you perform daily activities or work activities, be mindful of ways you can reduce stress and strain on your joints. Relieving stress on your joints will help to reduce joint pain.

• Be conscious of your movements.
• Pace yourself by balancing rest and activity.
• Adjust your activity level according to your pain level.
• Do gentle range-of-motion exercises daily.
• Be aware of good posture and body position.
• Maintain your ideal weight.
• Use assistive devices or adaptive equipment to preserve your joints.
• Use the largest or strongest joint possible when doing a specific task.
• Avoid excessive pressure or stress on the small joints of the hand.
• Avoid overuse or excessive stress on any single joint.

Related Resources:

• How to Protect Your Joints
• 10 Ways to Increase Your Pain
• Do You Use Joint Protection Techniques?
• How to Exercise When You Have Arthritis
• What Actions Help Preserve Manual Dexterity?
• What Can Be Done to Prevent Hand Deformity?

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