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(NC)—With September being Arthritis Month, it's time for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis to start thinking about ways to avoid stress on their joints. Although some may be tempted to work through their pain, it can make the pain worse and even increase the potential of joint deformities.
How you position your body largely affects how much strain you put on your joints. Proper body mechanics allow you to use your body more efficiently and also help to conserve energy. To avoid unnecessary joint strain, consider these tips from the Mayo Clinic:
• When you're sitting, the proper height for a work surface is two inches below your bent elbow. Make sure you have good back and foot support when you sit. Your forearms and upper legs should be well supported, resting level with the floor.
• If you type at a keyboard for long periods and your chair doesn't have arms, consider using wrist or forearm supports. An angled work surface for reading and writing is easier on your neck.
• Increase the height of your chair to decrease stress on your hips and knees as you get up and down.
• If you work standing up, the height of your work surface should enable you to work comfortably without stooping.
• When picking up items from the floor, bend at your knees and hips. Or sit in a chair and bend over.
• Carry heavy objects close to your chest, supporting the weight on your forearms.
• Maintain good posture when standing or sitting. Poor posture causes uneven weight distribution and may strain your ligaments and muscles.
More information for Canadians on Mayo Clinic is available at www.mayoclinic.org/canada.
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