Things You'll Need:
- Physician
- Support devices
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Step 1
Look for a wrist support or brace if you spend a lot of time performing activities with your hands such as typing, playing piano or sewing. These kinds of devices, in combination with an ergonomically designed work space, can help joints in the hands and wrist relax and reduce swelling from overuse.
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Step 2
Explore using a forearm-support device if you will be working at the computer for long hours or writing for extended periods of time. Just as a wrist support aids in this kind of activity, forearm-support devices can help you relieve the tension placed upon damaged joints in the elbow and wrist while continuing your daily life activities.
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Step 3
Try finger splints if you find that the joints in your fingers are being affected by arthritis. By keeping the finger supported, the splint allows the affected joint to relax. Swelling and pain may be reduced.
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Step 4
Consider walking with a cane to help support you when you are traveling from one room to another. In addition to helping with balance issues and preventing falls which may cause flare-ups in your arthritic condition, a cane can help support damaged joints in your hips, knees and ankles.
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Step 5
Use a walker with a built-in chair to help support you when you must walk longer distances. You can use these devices to incorporate more periods of rest into your activities and increase your endurance.
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Step 6
Discuss the use of a back or neck brace with your physician. Since arthritis affects many individuals by fusing the joints in the spine together, back and neck braces may be more or less effective in helping you live with the pain associated with this condition.
