| 1. AVOID TIGHT GRASP | • Use a relaxed grip. • Enlarge handles. • Place the palm on the jar lid, and using the weight of the body, turn arm at the shoulder to open the jar. A sponge or wet towel under the jar prevents sliding • Hold the knife or mixing spoon like a dagger, with the handle parallel to knuckles. Cutting is then changed from sawing to pulling • Don't carry heavy handbags, pails, and bags by the handle. • Hold everything no tighter than necessary. • Release tight grasp frequently if you must use it. • Use built-up handles on writing utensils, pot handles, tools, etc. • Use adaptive equipment such as jar openers |
| 2. AVOID PRESSURE ON BACK OF KNUCKLES (MP JOINTS) | • Avoid all pressures against the backs of fingers: this type of pressure contributes to dislocation of the large joints between the palm and the fingers (metacarpal-phalangeal joints). • This occurs while pushing up from a chair using a closed fist or resting chin on the backs of fingers. • Use palms while holding fingers straight. |
| 3. USE BOTH HANDS WHEN POSSIBLE | • Not specified how |
| 4. AVOID REPETITIVE HAND ACTIVITIES | • Take breaks • Change activity, i.e., using screwdriver, crocheting |
| 5. AVOID PRESSURE TO TIP OR PAD OF THUMB | • The thumb is necessary for 40 percent of hand activities • Example: opening car doors, ringing doorbells • To protect thumb joints, open milk containers with heels of the hands rather than thumbs. |
| 6. AVOID PRESSURE AGAINST THE RADIAL SIDE OF EACH FINGER THUMB SIDE | • Don't rest chin on the side of fingers. • Add levers to keys, handles, and knobs. • Hold handles straight across the palm. |
| 7. AVOID PROLONGED PERIODS OF HOLDING HANDS IN THE SAME POSITION | • Sit if the task takes more than 10 minutes. • Stand up after sitting for 20-30 minutes. • Reposition yourself often. |