| Getting dressed is not a problem for everyone with | | | | Another common problem (for women) is that your |
| arthritis, but even those little aches and pains can | | | | shoulders are too stiff to reach around behind your |
| interfere with certain daily tasks on a regular basis. | | | | back to hook your bra. In this case, place your bra |
| Regardless of how severe your arthritis is, you may | | | | behind your back, hook it in front, then slide it around |
| find yourself needing to make some changes in the | | | | and place your arms in the straps. These are just two |
| way you dress to accommodate your arthritis. Here | | | | examples of simple adaptations you can do at home |
| are a few tips to follow to make those changes | | | | with the clothing you have and items you already have |
| smooth and easy. | | | | around the house. |
| First, analyze which joints are causing you the most | | | | If your stiffness is a little more severe in the morning, |
| difficulty with dressing, especially in the morning. | | | | you may need to purchase different types of clothing. |
| Remember that arthritis stiffness can take over an | | | | This does not mean you have to buy adaptive clothing. |
| hour to go away after you get out of bed, and you | | | | You just need to think a little bit about the clothes you |
| might not want to wait that long to get dressed. | | | | buy. If you have a hard time lifting your arms due to |
| Adapting how you get dressed to work around those | | | | shoulder stiffness, buy front closing shirts or blouses. |
| particular stiff joints will make sure you don't get | | | | Avoid pull-overs or, if you must have them, make sure |
| thrown off schedule. | | | | they are large and loose. If your fingers don't want to |
| Next, decide if an easy adaptation will fix the problem. | | | | move in the morning, avoid clothing with small buttons |
| It could be that your hips and knees are stiff in the | | | | or hooks. Make sure zippers have large tabs. Buy |
| morning and you can't bend to put on your socks and | | | | pants with elastic waistbands. If you have a hard time |
| shoes. If this is the case, try sitting on the bed or in a | | | | bending due to back or hip pain, wear slip on shoes or |
| chair with a footstool in front of you. Use your hands | | | | shoes with Velcro closures. Make sure your socks |
| to help lift each leg on to the footstool, and then bend | | | | stretch easily. Avoid heels. |
| the shorter distance to put on the sock and shoe. | | | | |