Introduction
    About Arthritis
    What an Occupational Therapist Can Do for You
    Some Tips for Coping With Arthritis

Introduction
More than one out of seven Americans has some form of arthritis. You may be one of these people. But before you decide that your aches, pains, and joint problems are the result of arthritis, you should have a complete examination by a qualified physician.
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About Arthritis
Important warning signs of arthritis are:
pain, tenderness, or swelling in one or more joints
pain or stiffness in the morning
recurring or persistent pain and stiffness in the neck, lower back, knees, or other joints
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What an Occupational Therapist Can Do for You
When a diagnosis of arthritis is made, you will want to seek occupational therapy for help in:
controlling pain and swelling in joints
protecting joints from damage
managing stress and fatigue
obtaining special assistive devices
When arthritis is causing you problems such as pain, stiffness and difficulty in performing daily tasks, an occupational therapist can:
make custom splints to rest or support your limbs
design special adaptive equipment to help you function
recommend assistive devices to aid you in your tasks at home and work
evaluate your home and workplace and suggest modifications so you can work and live independently and avoid stress to your joints
teach you methods of carrying out daily tasks without causing pain or joint damage
If arthritis is causing difficulty in using your hands an occupational therapist can:
advise you on what exercises are best and what activities to avoid
teach you to carry out daily tasks more easily
provide equipment to ease your work and conserve energy
If you have arthritis in your hips and knees, an occupational therapist can:
help you rearrange and adapt your home to reduce pain and stress on your joints
When arthritis causes tiredness, an occupational therapist can:
teach you methods of relaxation
advise you on how to save energy while doing daily tasks
help you to increase your endurance for home and work tasks
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are important members of the health care team working with people who have arthritis. By teaching people how to reduce stress in painful joints, everyday activities such as driving, housekeeping, or simply getting dressed can be performed with greater ease and less discomfort.
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants can help by developing customized splints for joints in order to reduce pain and prevent damage. Treatment includes teaching individuals about activities that may be harmful and those which are beneficial.
Occupational therapists also tell people about the many aids available for those with arthritis and often design customized adaptive devices for those with special problems.
The goal of occupational therapy is to help individuals become as independent as possible in their daily lives. Countless people with arthritis live easier, more comfortable lives with the aid of adaptive devices, a planned program of exercise and rest, and the help of occupational therapy.
The occupational therapist is a health professional who has completed a bachelor's or master's degree and clinical internship. The occupational therapy assistant has completed an associate degree and clinical internship. Both occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants must pass a national certification examination. Many states also require licenses for those practicing occupational therapy.
"In the course of living with rheumatoid arthritis for 24 years, I have discovered that the most useful-and often the most underused-source of help is the occupational therapist. If I had received occupational therapy 15 years ago, I am sure I would have delayed damage to my joints."
-Meredith Brenzier, Nantucket, MA
"Occupational therapy is essential in the treatment of the patient with arthritis and rheumatic disease. With occupational therapy, many of the damaging effects of the disease can be avoided."
-Eric Gall, MD Professor/Chairman
Division of Rheumatology
University of Arizona, Tuscon
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Tips for Coping With Arthritis
Relax your grip on objects by enlarging handles on items you use frequently, such as pens, knives, cooking pans, etc. Wrap foam, cloth or tape around handles and secure with more tape.
Avoid lifting heavy loads by using carts or carriers with wheels to move suitcases, garbage cans, and grocery bags.
Use a jar opener instead of twisting off lids with your hands.
Replace round knobs on doors and faucets with more easily operated levers.
Dial the telephone with a pencil rather than your fingers.
Consider leg extenders to raise the height of your favorite chair so you can get up more easily.
Occupational therapy services are available at Rehab In Motion. Please contact us for more information.