That doesn't have to be the case. Sweeping, conversely, rarely entails heavy lifting. In most households, sweeping involves limited surface area and is accomplished fairly quickly. The bread knife with an upturned handle that you wield like a saw makes sense too. If your wrists hurt already, twisting won't help.
Many people find writing by hand difficult.
Most people with hand problems find a fat, light pen the easiest to use. A wider barrel means better control with a more relaxed grip. Try sticking a pen or pencil through a fat foam hair curler. Or visit the children's department or art supply section of the bookstore, and pick up rubber slip-ons for your regular pen. It might be streamlined.