Use good body mechanics

If you position yourself correctly and use the muscles best suited to a task, you can minimize the stress on your joints.

Proper body mechanics allow you to use your body more efficiently. Try to:

• Carry heavy objects close to your chest, supporting the weight on your forearms. Keep your elbows close to your body.
• Pick up items from the floor by first bending your knees and hips, and stooping down. Or sit in a chair and bend over.
• Avoid twisting and awkward positions, such as reaching for objects in the back seat of a car from the front seat.
• Keep your hands below the "3 o'clock" and "9 o'clock" positions on the steering wheel when driving.
• Use your abdominal muscles to help you roll over when getting out of bed.

Arranging your work area wisely also can make a big difference:

• While sitting. Make sure you have good back and foot support. Your forearms and upper legs should be well-supported, resting level with the floor. You might want to raise your chair, to make it easier to get up from it.
• For typing or reading. If you type at a keyboard for long periods and your chair doesn't have arms, consider using wrist or forearm supports. An angled work surface for reading and writing is easier on your neck.
• While standing. The height of your work surface should enable you to work comfortably without stooping.