Got Arthritis? Here’s How to Make It Through Thanksgiving Cooking
“The preparation of good food is merely another expression of art, one of the joys of civilized living.” – Dione Lucas, English chef and first woman to graduate Le Cordon Bleu.
If you’re suffering from arthritis, it can be hard to get back to the joy of cooking. The stress placed on your joints by the stirring, pouring, slicing, etc. of food preparation can become a source of serious pain and inflammation, fast. Avoid putting undue pressure on your hands and wrists this season with these tips.
Lighten Up
Limit the amount of weight you’ll need to lift. See if there are lighter versions of your cookware out there, especially if you haven’t replaced yours for a while. The extra pounds of pressure from cast iron skillets, glass bowls, weighty ceramics etc. can really add up. Swap them for updated versions in lightweight materials like silicone, aluminum, wood and the like. For special, cooking intensive occasions, you may even want to stock up on disposable plates and utensils. If that makes you feel guilty, don’t worry–there are compostable versions of these items now.
Another place to shave off unnecessary weight is grocery shopping. Try to shop small. Buying in bulk may be good for your budget, but probably isn’t worth the savings if lugging an oversized pack of supplies inside is going to cause a flare-up.
Buy Pre-Cut
It’s easier than ever to buy fresh, pre-cut veggies, organic and otherwise. Doing so will save you time, and save your hands and wrists from the kinds of repetitive motion than can be particularly damaging. You may also want to consider a cutter or peeler as a backup to have around the house–they’re a lot easier and faster to use.
Get A Grip
Many OA and RA sufferers struggle with gripping and grasping. Make things easier with rubber grips in a variety of sizes. Just look at how cute these are! You can use them to open jars, carry smooth-sides and slippery dishes, and more.
Reinvent The Wheel
Repurpose a wheeled cart or shelf to be your kitchen helper. You can use it to easily transport liquids and other heavy stuff to and from the stove and sink, bring food to the table, and more.
Break it Up
Plan ahead of big meals, and try to parcel out prep work. That way, you won’t be putting so much pressure on your hands and wrists all at once.
Enlist Helpers
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Lots of people enjoy cooking and baking. Plus, it can be really good for kids–research suggests that kids who cook are more likely to want to eat healthier meals.
See A Specialist
A hand and wrist specialist can help you better manager your symptoms with assistive devices, medication, physical therapy, and other treatments. If you’re in the Freehold, NJ area, we’d be happy to help–even if it’s just to get a little extra care to prep for holiday cooking. You can request an appointment here.
