Housework can be overwhelming, especially if you suffer from chronic pain. Arthritis pain can get even worse in the spring, but don’t give up on your spring cleaning routine just yet.
Spring cleaning can help reduce stress and boost your mood, even when joint pain sours it. We’re here to help you learn how to power through the pain to get your household chores done.
Read on for some tips and tricks that can make your housework easier.
Cleaning With Chronic Pain
If you’re no stranger to chronic pain, you’ll know you need to plan ahead. You never know when your arthritis symptoms will flare up, so it’s best to prepare in advance.
Make a Plan
Making a plan is the first step to cleaning with chronic pain. A plan will help you figure out what tasks you need to do and organize them in a way that works best for you. Once you have your tasks written down, set yourself a schedule to work on them throughout the week.
Pace Yourself
Don’t try to do everything in one day; listen to your body and rest when you need to. Clean often and make sure to break up your tasks. Breaking your work into manageable chunks can actually help you get them done faster without causing unnecessary pain.
Set a timer and get your tasks done within the time you give yourself. Don’t forget to multi-task. You can run the dishwasher while you do laundry.
Use Arthritis-Friendly Cleaning Tools
Your cleaning tools play an essential role in your ability to tackle chores safely without causing additional pain. Look for products that will help, not make your job more difficult.
There are many arthritis-friendly products available such as:
- Brooms, mops, and dustpans with extended or extendable handles
- Steam mops to loosen dirt
- Upright, lightweight vacuums with long attachments
- Rolling baskets or carts to transport laundry and cleaning products
- Rubber gloves to help grip
If your vacuum has an extended brush, use the brush to suck up dirt in high or low places. This is especially helpful for cleaning dusty baseboards without bending or kneeling.
Old socks or gloves can also be worn on your hands and used to dust without having to grip a dust rag or brush.
Click here for a list of Ease of Use products that can help make daily tasks easier.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to help you with more difficult chores. If you have kids, make a list of extra weekend jobs they can take care of for you.
Are You Suffering from Chronic Joint Pain? We Can Help!
The Joint Preservation Center at Towson Orthopaedic Associates offers an innovative, personalized approach to long-term joint health. Utilizing early diagnosis, intervention, and the latest techniques, our orthopaedic surgeons can restore and preserve the joint’s natural ability, which makes it possible to avoid more invasive surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation. Are you suffering from persistent joint pain or stiffness? Call 410-337-7900 to schedule an evaluation or click here to learn how we can help preserve or restore the health of your joints.
