Hand Care Tips: Simple Ways to Protect Your Hands

Your hands work hard every day. You use them to cook, get dressed, work, drive, garden, use your

phone, and carry things.

All of that gripping, pinching, lifting, and twisting can add up over time. If you already have hand pain,

arthritis, weakness, or stiffness, everyday tasks may start to feel harder.

The good news is that small changes can help. These simple hand care tips can reduce stress on your

joints and make daily activities easier.

1. Listen to Your Hands

Pain is a sign that your hand may need a break.



If an activity causes pain, stop and look at how you are doing it. You may need to rest, change your grip,

use another tool, or find an easier way to do the task.

Try not to push through pain that keeps getting worse.

2. Take Breaks During Repetitive Tasks

Your hands can get tired when you use them the same way over and over.

This can happen during activities like:

• Gardening
• Sewing
• Knitting
• Cooking
• Computer work
• Crafts
• Using tools

Take short breaks during these activities. Stretch your fingers, change your position, and give your hands

time to rest.

You can also break a big job into smaller parts instead of doing everything at once.

3. Avoid Tight Gripping and Pinching

Tight gripping can place extra stress on the small joints in your hands.

Try these simple changes:

• Carry grocery bags from the bottom instead of gripping thin handles.
• Use two hands when carrying heavier items.
• Use a kitchen utensils or pens with a larger or softer grip.
• Choose pump bottles instead of hard-to-squeeze bottles.
• Avoid holding a book, phone, or tablet in one position for a long time.

These small changes can help protect your hand joints.

4. Do Not Use Your Hand as a Tool

We often use our fingers for jobs that a tool could do better.

Instead of forcing your hands to work harder, use the right tool for the job.

For example:

• Use scissors to open packages.
• Use a letter opener for envelopes.
• Use a staple remover instead of your fingernails.
• Use pliers when you need a strong pinch.
• Use a jar opener for tight lids.
• Consider an electric can opener instead of a manual one.

This can reduce stress on painful or weak hands.

5. Make Handles Easier to Hold

Small, thin handles can be hard to grip.

Adding a larger grip can make many items easier to use.

You can add foam tubing or padded grips to things like:

• Pens and pencils
• Toothbrushes
• Forks and spoons
• Kitchen tools
• Paintbrushes
• Gardening tools

You can also look for lightweight tools with larger handles.

6. Try Adaptive Equipment

Adaptive equipment can make daily tasks easier and help protect your joints.

Helpful tools may include:

• Jar openers
• Key turners
• Doorknob grips
• Faucet handle extenders
• Book or tablet stands
• Playing card holders
• Lightweight kitchen tools
• Cutting boards that help hold food in place

You do not always need special or expensive equipment. Sometimes changing the way you do a task is

enough.

7. Use Larger Joints When You Can

Your larger joints can often handle more stress than the small joints in your fingers.

For example, carry a bag over your forearm or shoulder instead of holding it with your fingers.

Use both hands when lifting larger items.

These simple joint protection techniques can help reduce hand pain and strain.

When Should You Get Help for Hand Pain?

Some hand soreness may improve with rest and simple changes. But hand pain should not stop you from doing the things you need or want to do.

It may be time to talk with a healthcare provider or occupational therapist if you have:

• Hand or wrist pain that does not improve
• Swelling
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness
• Trouble opening jars or containers
• Frequent dropping of objects
• Stiffness
• Trouble dressing, cooking, writing, working, or doing hobbies

Occupational therapy can help you find easier ways to use your hands during daily activities. Treatment may include exercises, joint protection tips, activity changes, strengthening, and adaptive equipment.

At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, we focus on helping you use your hands and arms more comfortably during the activities that matter to you.

You can also learn more about how occupational therapy helps with daily activities in our Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy blog.

For more information about arthritis and joint care, the Arthritis Foundation offers helpful patient education and resources at arthritis.org.

Frequently Asked Questions