Cooking with arthritis can cause a lot of discomfort for those suffering. However, being able to prepare healthy meals for yourself is a big part of owning your independence, something that arthritis has a knack for taking away. In this article, we will explore how to manage your pain if you are somebody who suffers from arthritis as you navigate in the kitchen. Keep reading to learn more tips, tricks, and tools that can help you become a master chef right in your own home.

Ensure Your Kitchen Tools are Arthritis-Friendly 

The first step in your journey should be to ensure your kitchen tools are arthritis-friendly. This does not mean that you have to throw away all of your current kitchen utensils and gadgets! Instead, many of the tools that we will list are simply aids to help you use what you already have. Let’s dive in!

Tackling Common Challenges

Opening jars is one of the most complex yet common movements for those with arthritis. Using a jar opener to help assist you in this process can make all the difference. You can choose between both manual and electronic jar openers depending on the severity of your condition.

Be sure to also begin purchasing only lightweight kitchen gear, such as small pots, pans, and appliances. This will help you avoid putting unnecessary strain on your body as you cook.

Enhance the silverware that you already have by upgrading using cushion handles for knives, forks, and spoons. This will help make the eating experience a little bit more comfortable – without breaking the bank! 

Plan Ahead & Cook in Batches

By planning ahead and cooking in batches, you can also allow your body enough time to rest in between sessions in the kitchen. Try exploring meal-prepping techniques and investing in the right tupperware to help your food stay fresh for longer periods of time. If you have somebody who can help you prepare food, this is a great way to bond over making meals to last the whole week. 

Preserve Your Energy 

Remember to preserve your energy while cooking in the kitchen with arthritis. Taking frequent breaks is important to make sure that you do not get too fatigued. Staying sharp and alert when using appliances such as hot pots and stoves should be your number one priority. 

Sit While Preparing

Who says you can’t have a comfortable chair or stool in your kitchen alongside you as a sous chef? Invest in a chair that is the proper height to meet your countertops so that you can sit while preparing food in the kitchen. This will help you to preserve energy and take your time to avoid putting strain on your body and getting fatigued. If you do need to stand, consider special insoles made specifically for those who suffer with arthritis. 

Finger Stretches & Special Gloves

While it may sound silly at first, finger stretches can be an extremely effective way to combat arthritis and help you navigate your journey to cooking independently! Some common stretches include making a fist, extending your hand, and elevating each finger wanted a time. Investing in a quality pair of arthritis gloves can also help you ease the pain. 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods 

Not only can your cooking practices help you combat arthritis, but the food that you nourish your body with can also play a part in your healing and maintenance. Foods such as leafy greens, berries, and lean meat have been shown to be anti-inflammatory and can help the symptoms of arthritis lessen. 

Stay Organized and Confident 

Remember to stay organized and confident in the kitchen as you cook with arthritis. Approaching your independent cooking journey with a systematic approach will help you stay calm and think strategically as you prepare meals for yourself.

We hope this article helped you come up with new and unique ways to manage your pain while cooking with arthritis. To explore more of our medical aids and devices, be sure to check out our website at ATCMedical.com