Slide show: Joint protection for people with hand arthritis

Arthritis in your hands causes your finger joints and knuckles to become stiff and sometimes inflamed. Protect your hands by avoiding pushing, pulling and twisting motions.

Joint protection is an effective way to avoid or relieve pain and prevent further joint damage. And joint protection can be incorporated into your everyday life. Here's a look at joint-protection techniques. Talk to your doctor about other joint-protection ideas.

To protect your finger joints, avoid making a tight fist or pinching objects tightly. Instead, use a grasp that places your knuckles parallel to the handle of the tool or utensil. For instance, a built-up handle made of foam can make it easier for you to grasp your toothbrush.

Find assistive devices that can help you avoid making a tight fist or pinching objects tightly. For instance, using a special key holder may help you turn keys more comfortably without putting strain on your hand. This type of grasping tool places your knuckles parallel to the handle of the tool or utensil. Ask your health care team for tips on where to buy assistive devices.

Use assistive devices to help you open jars. This spares your fingers from the twisting motion required to open a jar.

Use your palms to hold an object when you can, such as when reading a magazine or book. This helps you avoid bending the large knuckles of your hand while keeping your finger joints straight.

Use your legs to help you stand up, rather than using your fingers. Slide forward in your chair. Don't move your feet forward. Keeping your feet slightly apart, use your legs to stand up. If necessary, push off on the arms of the chair or a nearby table with your palms (top right) or forearms (bottom right).

Choose pens that have a larger barrel. This spares your fingers from the strain of tightly pinching a small-barreled pen. Rubber grips that slide over the end of the pen can help reduce strain, too. Grips can be purchased in various thicknesses. Choose a nylon tip, felt tip or rolling ball ink pen. These pens require less pressure from your hand when writing than do pencils and ballpoint pens.

To protect your finger joints, avoid tightly pinching with your fingers. For example, use a button aid to help you grasp and fasten buttons on your clothes. Choose clothes with easy-to-close fasteners, such as zippers, large buttons or hooks.