Living with arthritis can turn daily routines – like pouring a hot drink, turning taps, or cleaning – into challenges. But with thoughtful tweaks, assistive tools, and smart habits, you can reduce strain on your joints and reclaim more comfort and independence.
Here are practical ways to make everyday tasks easier when managing arthritis.
In the Kitchen: Minimise Strain on Joints
Cooking, pouring, preparing meals – these are daily activities that can aggravate sore hands, wrists, or shoulders. Use these adjustments:
- Choose lightweight cookware and non-stick pans to reduce lifting effort
- Use the Uccello Kettle for arthritis – e.g. the tilt-to-pour action and weighted cable means there is no stress or strain on sore or tired joints.
- Try arthritis kitchen aids such as easy-grip non-slip mats are great for opening suborn lids on jars and bottles and keep things in place like a chopping board/plate/cup etc
- Electric Can/Tin Openers – say goodbye to squeezing and gripping with the One Touch can opener. Heaven for hands.
These changes make kitchen work gentler on joints while preserving safety.
Around the House: Smart Adjustments for Daily Chores
Cleaning, tidying, dusting – all of these often involve bending, stretching or repetitive motions. To ease the load:
- Use long-handled tools, mops or dusters to avoid overreaching or bending
- Break chores into smaller segments (for example, do a bit each day rather than all in one go)
- Switch to lightweight vacuums or cordless models that are easier to push and manoeuvre
- Consider using a grabber or reach extender to pick up items from low or high places
By spreading tasks out and using adaptive tools, you help protect your joints and energy levels.
Dressing & Personal Care: Simplify the Small Tasks
Even small tasks like tying shoelaces or fastening buttons can become frustrating when arthritis affects fine motor control. Some helpful changes include:
- Opt for elastic waistbands, slip-on shows, and Velcro fasteners
- Use button hooks, zipper pulls or dressing aids
- Choose personal care tools with larger grips (toothbrushes, hairbrushes, razors)
- Consider a shower seat or handheld shower head to reduce strain from standing
These modest aids can make a big difference in comfort and independence.
Leisure, Hobbies & Garden Tasks
Maintaining hobbies, garden or craft activities is important for wellbeing. To reduce joint stress:
- Use raised garden beds, kneeling pads, or a garden stool for gardening
- Divide longer sessions into shorter bursts with rests in between
- Keep a supportive chair handy during crafting, reading, or hobby work
- Use tools with ergonomic grips or longer handles
Enjoying your passions needn’t increase your discomfort.
Why Small Changes Matter
Seemingly minor adaptations – using the Uccello Kettle for arthritis, spreading tasks across time, or swapping in arthritis kitchen aids – can have a meaningful impact on your daily life. They:
- Reduce joint pain and fatigue
- Preserve your energy for more important things
- Help maintain your independence and confidence
- Support long-term joint health
Arthritis doesn’t have to define your every day. With awareness, practical tools, and gentle pacing, you can adjust your routines to protect your joints and remain active in things you enjoy.
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