Dec. 12, 2020—Cooking can be a real pain when you have arthritis.
That's because some kitchen tasks—from prepping food to gripping utensils to bending and reaching for pots and pans—can strain stiff, achy hands, fingers and other joints.
Luckily, there are gadgets you can buy and strategies you can try to make your culinary endeavors a little easier. Check out these tips, courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation:
Go electric. Use powered devices whenever you can. Think electric can and jar openers, food processors, and handheld electric whisks called immersion blenders.
Go ergonomic. For slicing and cutting, consider a mandoline (you slice foods by sliding them across its bladed surface) or a rocker knife (you rock it back and forth to cut foods).
Extend your reach. Use a long-handled reacher to get things from kitchen shelves without bending or straining.
Go big. Do your hands ache when gripping pots, pans and utensils? Buy them with thicker handles and grips. Or try wrapping foam or tape around their handles to make them larger and easier to hold, suggests the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Lighten the load. Heavy pots and pans can strain hands and fingers. Consider swapping them for lighter ones. Or use double-handled pots and pans. When you carry cookware with two handles, it spreads the weight evenly among both of your hands.
Get organized. Arrange your kitchen so you can avoid bending or reaching into cabinets. If you have the space, you might store often-used pots and appliances on a counter.
Consider healthy convenience foods. If it fits your budget, consider buying pre-chopped fruits and veggies.
Where should you shop?
You can buy many arthritis-friendly gadgets, like those mentioned here, online and in stores that sell kitchen items, hardware or medical supplies.
Talk to your doctor
If arthritis pain and stiffness are interfering with daily tasks, talk to your doctor or an occupational therapist for more ideas and equipment recommendations.
Ready to whip up something good for you?
Check out some of these healthy recipes. They're as delicious as they are nutritious.