Dr. Arthritis Tips: How to Make Household Chores Easier If You Have Arthritis

Love it or hate it, chores are an inevitable part of daily living.

Unfortunately, if you’re living with chronic pain, even the simplest household task can become a gargantuan undertaking.

So what can arthritis sufferers do?  Take note of our following tips—

1. When it comes your daily cleaning routine…

Fatigue is a common symptom of arthritis—especially when the pain keeps you up at night. That said, it’s important that you pace yourself to conserve energy. There’s no need to rush through the tasks and force yourself to complete all your chores in a single day. Go at your own pace and take frequent breaks. Use aids and tools to help manage pain and provide support if you have to, such as gloves or braces.

2. When you’re doing the laundry…

There are certain household chores that actually require arthritis sufferers to ask for help. Laundry is one of them–where you’re dealing with a lot of carrying, pushing, reaching, and folding. In these cases, remember that it’s OK to ask for help. Use a cart with wheels so you don’t have to deal with the weight of your laundry load and whenever possible, find someone who can assist you.

3. When choosing cleaning supplies…

Here’s the thing, even your existing cleaning supplies might be detrimental to your condition. For example, a handy squeeze bottle or spray bottle might be easier to handle and lift versus a 100 ounce bottle of detergent. Using concentrated laundry detergent capsules or tabs might even be better. Automated buffers and swiffers are also helpful.

4. When you’re cooking…

If cooking is a big part of your daily routine, rearrange your kitchen supplies so that appliances and ingredients that you use often are all within reach. Change drawer and cabinet handles into knobs for easier handling and make the most out of your automated appliances like mixers, food processors, blenders, slow cookers, oven toasters and the like. Kitchen tools and utensils with rubber-padded handles and grips are also easier to handle.

5. When it comes to grocery shopping…

Technology has made it possible for tasks such as grocery shopping to be completed with a just a few clicks. Whenever possible, go online instead of driving out to the store so that you don’t have to worry about pushing carts, reaching on high shelves and carrying heavy loads. If you actually prefer going to the store yourself, ask for help. Ask the cashier to help you bag your groceries and request that they don’t overload each bag so that they’re easier to carry.

6. When it comes to gardening…

What works indoors can also be useful for outdoor chores. Use long-handled tools when doing yard work to minimize bending. Keep tools you use often close and within reach. Opt for smaller watering tools so you don’t have to carry heavy ones. Invest in good tools and aids.

If you have more ideas on how chores can be made easier for arthritis sufferers, please feel free to share it with us below.

If you want to try using compression sleeves to help manage your arthritis and make daily chores easier, contact us today or visit our Amazon link to browse through our entire selection of compression sleeves, braces and straps designed to help manage your joints.

You may also visit our website at https://www.doctorarthritis.org and get an exclusive, limited-time only discount. Use the coupon code*: 25PROFF to get 25% off your purchase

For questions, feel free to leave a message in the comment section below, or email us at enquiry@doctorarthritis.org. You may also visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doctorarthritis or view our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRAgAy847uyV8BMdynZZXg.

*coupon code is applicable only for website purchases.