Lifestyle and home remedies

To ease pain and improve joint mobility, try to:

• Modify hand tools. Consider purchasing adaptive equipment — such as jar openers, key turners and large zipper pulls — designed for people with limited hand strength. Replace traditional door handles, which you must grasp with your thumb, with levers.
• Apply cold. Icing the joint for five to 15 minutes several times a day can help relieve swelling and pain.
• Apply heat. For some, heat may be more effective than cold in relieving pain.