Living with arthritis doesn’t mean you have to give up your household responsibilities, but it does mean you may need to adjust your methods. Small adjustments to your habits can reduce joint pain and help you stay independent longer.

Start by evaluating each chore and ask yourself how you can make it more joint-friendly. Leverage stronger joints whenever possible. For example, use your hip to swing a door instead of your fingers, or cradle items with your elbows rather than gripping the handles tightly.

Invest in tools engineered for reduced strain. Extended grabbers can help you pick things up without bending, and cushioned-handled appliances have soft, padded handles that require minimal force.

When cleaning, skip repetitive actions such as scrubbing or wringing. Instead, attach a sponge to an extended pole for countertops or showers, and allow degreasers to soak Ganzheitliche Physiotherapie in Basel.

When doing laundry, choose a seated sorting position and roll a wheeled hamper to transport loads. Use a surface aligned with your hips to avoid bending over.

For vacuuming, select a low-weight vacuum or one with a long handle so you don’t have to bend or lift.

Take short rest intervals and rotate chores to avoid overusing any one joint. Stretch gently before and after chores to keep your joints mobile.

Consider doing chores in mini-tasks spread across the morning and afternoon instead of trying to overwhelm yourself in a single sitting.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s smart self-care.

Finally, honor your physical limits. If something hurts, stop and adjust. Pain is a signal, not a test of endurance.

By adapting your approach, you can maintain a tidy living space without sacrificing your long-term mobility.