Painful, stiff or sensitive wrists can render everyday tasks far more difficult than they used to be, whether the pain is the result of a long-term issue (such as arthritis, repetitive stress, or carpal tunnel syndrome) or a recent injury. Gripping handles or carrying heavy objects, in particular, should be avoided in order to prevent any additional strain on the joint. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together five helpful tips for those adapting to sensitive wrists, to help make life a little easier around the home.
Ergonomic Handles
Look for ergonomic grips on everyday tools, which will make them easier to grasp thanks to their non-slip texture. A larger handle is generally more comfortable to hold, because it will spread your weight more evenly across the hand, so consider handle size if you’re looking at a new mobility aid.
But even if you don’t require a walker or walking stick, ergonomic handles come into play across a variety of household objects – and they can make a real difference. Angled handles on gardening tools, for example, can lessen the pressure they place on your wrists.
Hand Exercises
You may already be aware of the hand exercises appropriate to your needs, and if not it’s worth consulting with your doctor on whether they may help ease your wrist pain. If you need a reminder Healthline has put together a useful list of seven hand exercises, designed to help manage arthritis pain, which can be adapted according to your needs.
Tap Turners
Tap and knob turners are easy to install, and an instantly effective tool in the kitchen or bathroom. If small handles are proving difficult to turn, these soft textured handles may be easier to grip – and they provide a bigger surface area for you to hold onto so there should be less strain on the wrists.
Reorganise the Kitchen
Understandably, the kitchen can become the most difficult room of the house for anyone with stiff or painful wrists. But reorganising it can make a huge difference. Start by making sure that all the objects you use most often are kept in easily reachable places, to avoid repeatedly straining for them.
If lifting heavy pots and pans is difficult, consider storing them in low cupboards rather than higher ones – it’s usually easier to lift a heavy object up rather than bring it down safely. Alternatively, you could keep them stacked on the countertop ready to use, so that you only need to bring them across to the stove.
Jar Openers
This is just one example of a kitchen aid that can help improve grip without putting additional strain on the wrists. At Manage At Home we offer a range of bottle, can and jar openers, but the Good Grips Jar Opener is ideal for those with sensitive wrists thanks to its large, non-slip handle.
Other useful kitchen aids to consider include thick handled cutlery, kettle tippers and easy grip utensils such as peelers and graters. While some of them have been designed specifically for people with arthritis, they will help make life a little more comfortable for anyone with discomfort in their wrists.