If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from arthritis or another form of joint pain/stiffness, then you know how difficult it can be to hold and lift utensils and other items while working in the kitchen. Grasping, twisting, and raising can become painful and exhausting. Not only does arthritis reduce strength, it also reduces dexterity. There are, however, a number of modifications you can make to make meal preparation and cleanup easier.

The following will help you discover ways to make changes in your kitchen that can help you overcome arthritis or other problems you may have related to dexterity, mobility, and strength.

Cleanup

Long-handled, single-lever mixing faucets that require only one hand can be easier to use than knob-type faucets. Paddle-handle faucet controls are also a good choice if you have trouble grasping. Gripper knob turners are also available. They fit over existing knobs. A sprayer hose enables you to add water to a pot without having to lift it from the sink to the counter.

Meal Preparation

Replace knob-type cabinet hardware with loop handle hardware or larger knobs to aid with dexterity.

A wooden cutting board with a nail sticking up through the top can help hold vegetables for chopping.

You can keep bowls from slipping a number of ways. First, you can place them on a nonslip surface, such as the nonslip padding that can be used on area rugs. A wooden board with the diameter of mixing bowls cut out can help hold bowls in place as you mix.

To assist in turning on and off cooktops, enlarge the knobs on your stove or cooktop. You can purchase new knob covers that are larger and easier to use. You can also accomplish the same result by adding a wooden clothespin, using a potato masher, or using a vinyl jar opener. All will help in grasping and turning the knob.

Select large-handled and angled utensils that are easier for stiff hands to hold. A variety of utensils can be found, including forks, spatulas, and spoons.

Most aids come in a variety of styles, and you can chose one that best fits your needs. For example, useful can openers include enlarged can openers and one-handed can openers. Jar openers can be handheld, cabinet mounted, wall mounted.

Ergonomically designed knives can be extremely helpful. Rocker knives allow food to be cut with a rocking rather than sawing motion. Folding and angled knives have a handle that is easier to grip than a regular knife. These work with a single pull or back-and-forth motion.

There are a number of items for purchase that can help in food storage. A zipper bag sealer helps those who don't have the dexterity to close a zipper locking bag. There are plastic storage containers that close with a push from your palm, instead of requiring accurate finger dexterity.

Eating

Large-handled silverware can be easier for arthritic hands to grasp. Silverware can be adapted by purchasing foam tubing and adding it to utensils to give them a larger grip. Universal cuff and palm-handled utensils can help if grasping ability is greatly limited.

Use drinking glasses that contour with your hand. Two-handled cups or travel mugs can provide a good surface to grasp. T-handled mugs help when you cannot grasp a cup handle but can open your hand enough to allow the handle to rest on the edge of your hand.

If you have difficulty getting food from your plate onto a spoon or fork, you may want to try a plate with a raised edge and rim. This will give you something to push your food against while you get it onto your eating utensil. The same thing can be accomplished by adding a plate guard. This is a metal or plastic ring that snaps on the edge of a plate.

To keep a plate from sliding on the table, use a suction holder. This helps to stabilize the plate. Slipping can also be reduced by using a nonskid plate, nonslip padding used for area rugs, double-sided tape, or a damp washcloth.

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