Individuals with arthritis don't have the luxury of being unaware of their joints. The pain associated with common tasks frequently forces them to find alternative ways to function. The good news is that many tasks can be done in a way that's less stressful to the joints, and those methods are helpful for everyone, not just people with arthritis. Close a drawer by placing your palm and fingers flat against the front of the drawer with your wrists bent, then push. This method will put most of the pressure on your wrists.
Most people push in with their fingertips, which creates undue pressure on the fingers and hands.
Assist yourself out of a chair by pushing off with your hands flat. Do not grip the chair to push off. When reading a heavy book, place it on a table or book rest or on your lap. Holding a heavy book puts strain on the joints in your hands. First, if the pan is hot, place a towel over one forearm to protect it.