Slide show: Joint protection for people with hand arthritis

Arthritis in your hands causes your finger joints and knuckles to become stiff and sometimes painful and swollen. Protect your hands by avoiding pushing, pulling and twisting motions. Here's a look at joint-protection techniques. Talk to your doctor or occupational or physical therapist about other joint-protection ideas.

Avoid making a tight fist or pinching objects tightly. Instead, use a grasp that aligns your knuckles evenly along the handle of the tool or utensil. This makes grasping the tool more comfortable and requires less effort to use the tool. For instance, a built-up handle made of foam can make it easier for you to grasp your toothbrush.

For tasks that require you to pinch objects tightly, look for assistive devices that can help you hold the object with less force. For instance, using a special key holder may help you turn keys more comfortably without putting strain on your hand. This type of holder aligns your knuckles evenly along the handle of the tool or utensil, allowing you to use a larger grip to turn the key. 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 book or magazine. This helps you avoid bending the large knuckles of your hand while keeping your finger joints straight. Or try placing reading materials flat on a table or in your lap to avoid grasping the items with your hands.

Use your legs to help you stand up, rather than using your fingers. Slide forward to the edge of your chair. Keep your feet slightly apart positioned underneath you and 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). If you have problems getting out of a chair, contact your doctor or occupational or physical therapist for instructions.

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.