Tips For Managing Arthritis If You Love To Cook
There is no denying the fact that the pain of arthritis has the ability to transform cooking from a beloved pastime into an agonizing experience. The following article contains several great ideas to help get you back in the kitchen and having fun again.
A great tip for making your kitchen more accessible during arthritis flare-ups is to store dry goods in containers that are easy to open and within close reach. Easy-grip canisters and freezer bags can be great for storing staples such as flour, sugar and spices and can make using such products far easier than it normally might be if your joints are swollen and inflamed.
If you are dealing with an arthritis diagnosis, but wish to continue cooking as you always have, a bit of kitchen supply shopping may be in order. Rather than your old kitchen knives that may be unwieldy when your arthritis is especially bad, try to use knives with larger handles that feature grips made of comfortable materials. That way, you will still be able to chop vegetables like a pro, even when the discomfort of your condition is rearing its head.
Another useful tip for anyone battling arthritis while continuing to revel in their love of cooking is to purchase a rack with hooks that can be used to store pots and pans. Hanging your cookware rather than storing it away in cupboards is a great way to keep everything accessible, even when your range of motion is limited. Not only is a pot rack handy, it can also be a great addition to the overall decor of your kitchen space.
When you plan to prepare dishes that require a great deal of advance preparation such as chopping and dicing, consider bringing a comfortable seat or stool into the kitchen to make the job easier. By sitting rather than standing for such tasks, you will be able to work much longer and will save your joints a great deal of stress and strain.
Kitchen flooring surfaces are generally hard and unforgiving. Therefore, adding some rubber mats to your cooking space can be a great way to ease the impact on your body while preparing meals. In fact, such matting is often found in the professional kitchens of the finest restaurants in the world, lending further support for its amazing utility.
A great way to make life easier in the kitchen when you are contending with the pain and limited movement caused by arthritis is to purchase tools and equipment meant to reduce your workload. Food processors, stick blenders, mixers and other such implements can make all the difference when trying to prepare a meal with sore joints. Comparison shop for the best prices, and you will surely be happy with the added convenience such equipment can offer.
Just because you are suffering with arthritis, your love of cooking need not take a back seat. By making a series of simple adjustments it is possible to cook with far less discomfort and inconvenience than you may have thought possible.
