THE PRINCIPLES OF JOINT PROTECTION.

February 18, 2007

THE PRINCIPLES OF JOINT PROTECTION. Every move by a person with Arthritis whether picking up an object, opening a door, or sitting down can irritate or inflame tender joints. But with a little practice one can learn to use his or her body in a manner that reduces pain & protect joints. Listed below are seven basic rules for joint protection, each followed by suggestions on how to make them part of our everyday

activities. (1) Use the largest joint & strongest muscle to do a job. a. Instead of holding

purse in one’s hand, wear it with strap across the shoulder. b. Close plastic containers with elbow, not with thumb. (2) Distribute the weight of an object over as many joints as possible. a lift & hold items with the palms of both hands. b avoid leaning all your weight on one hand. (3) Avoid staying in one position for too long. a. Remind oneself to change positions frequently. b. Try to stretch the body every 30-60 minutes, if one is sitting for a long time. (4) Maintain good posture & keep joints aligned in their natural positions. a. Bend the knees, not the back, while lifting an object. b. Sleep on a firm mattress, or bed

board. (5) Use aids to help ease the strain on painful joints. a. Use a pencil to dial phone. b. Use a small cart to transport heavy bags when shopping. (6) Pay attention to the pain. Do not perform activities that continue to cause pain upto one hour after stopping. (7) Control the weight, because added weight causes stress to your joint. a. Follow a high fiber & low fat diet. b include plenty of fresh fruits & vegetables in the diet. c. Exercise regularly. For details: Dr. S.

Ananthanarayan, (Chief Consultant Physican) Santhigiri Ayurveda & Siddha Vaidyasala, No. 1458, H Block, 16th Street, 16th Main Road, Annanagar West, Chennai 600 040. Ph No. 044 32914322, 26160340, 26160441. www.ayurvedasanthigiri.com, www.santhigiriashram.org

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