Arthritis patients need to learn how to use joint protection techniques.  This article discusses some of the more common ones.

If you go a physical or occupational therapist, you will be taught specific ways to protect your joints.  Here are a few tips that might help prevent excessive strain on your joints if you suffer from arthritis...

• Pace yourself.  You need to balance periods of rest and activity during the day.By managing your workload throughout the day using common sense, you can help avoid overworked joints. Work at a steady, moderate pace and avoid the temptation to be rushed. Plan specific points when you will rest.  You should do this before you become fatigued or sore. Alternate light and heavier activities throughout the day. Also, take the time to perform periodic stretch breaks.
• Do not spend too much time in the same position.  This causes your joints to become stiff.  You must move!  For example, if you are watching television, get up and move around every half-hour. If you are doing a lot of knitting or writing, take the time every 15-20 minutes to flex your fingers and stretch them.  If you are traveling take breaks at least once an hour and stretch.
• Forget the old adage, 搉o pain no gain.?nbsp; If there are activities that cause you to feel sore and achy, stop doing them.  There is a difference between the mild tiredness you feel in the muscles when you do something you抮e unaccustomed doing and the severe pain that comes from doing something that isn抰 good for you.  Learn to recognize the distinction. Learn to understand and respect your arthritis pain. Any pain lasting longer than an hour after you do the activity means the activity is probably one you should avoid.  Perhaps you can modify the activity somehow. You may want to postpone some activities when you are having a severe flare.
• Throughout the day, favor large joints. Use the strongest joint available for the job. Save your smaller joints for the specific jobs that only they can accomplish. As an example, consider carrying objects with your palm open, distributing the weight equally over your forearm instead of the hands and wrists. Using larger muscle groups will reduce stress on small joints. Slide objects along a counter or workbench by pushing them rather than lifting them. Use a loop that you can pull with your wrist or forearm to decrease stress on your fingers if you need to open a cabinet. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
• The hands are the joints that are most easily stressed and subject to injury. You use your fingers in many daily activities. Abnormally stressful positions and techniques can increase the risk of getting deformities. For example, avoid positions that push your other fingers toward your little finger. Finger motions should be in the direction of your thumb whenever possible. This prevents the deviation of the fingers towards the little fingers that is some common in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Here抯 an example?instead of brushing crumbs off a table with your palm flat on the table, turn your hand so that the little finger is resting on the table and the palm is facing you. Then push the crumbs off the table. This will prevent the fingers from being pushed in the direction of your little finger.
• Another tip: avoid making a tight fist. Use built-up handles on tools and household implements, which will make them easier to hold. By the same token,  avoid pinching movements between your thumb and your fingers. For instance, hold a book, plate or mug in the palms of your hands. Use a book holder if you're planning on reading for long periods. Instead of a purse with a handle grip, select one with a shoulder strap. Use paper bags instead of plastic bags with handles for groceries. 
• The way you carry your body largely affects how much strain you put on your joints. Proper body mechanics allow you to use your body more efficiently and conserve energy. The proper height for a work surface is 2 inches below your bent elbow when you抮e in the seated position. Make sure you have good back and foot support when you sit. Your forearms and upper legs should be level with the floor. If you type at a keyboard for long periods, use a chair with arms.  If your chair doesn抰 have arms, consider using wrist or forearm supports. An angled work surface, like a draftsman抯 table, is good for reading and writing and is easier on your neck. If you work standing up, the height of your work surface should enable you to work comfortably without having to stoop. Raise the height of your chair.  This helps make it easier on your hips and knees as you get sit down and get up. If you have to pick up items from the floor, stoop by bending your knees and hips. One other trick is to sit in a chair and bend over. Maintain good posture with shoulders back and chin slightly tucked.  Pretend that there is a string attached from the top of your head to the ceiling.  It will help you stand taller and straighter.. Poor posture causes uneven weight distribution and may strain your ligaments and muscles.
• Practice range-of-motion exercises throughout the day.  Do these gently.

All of these tips should help you live with less pain and allow you to enjoy life more.