Ankle osteoarthritis: Practical advice

Household chores
 

Window cleaning:

For cleaning windows, you can use a squeegee with a telescopic handle This will help you avoid straining to reach the top of the windows and thus putting too much stress on your feet.

In addition, to make it easier to handle, consider adding a foam sleeve to your squeegee. This will avoid tensing the joints of your hand too much.

A steam device can also be an effective solution.

Mopping the floor: 

To put an end to the repetitive kneeling that hurts your feet, you should choose a mop and mop bucket with a squeezer system. These accessories allow you to wring out without bending down.

Cooking:

Cupboards:

Choosing suitable places for objects in cupboards can help to reduce your daily difficulties by avoiding painful movements of your feet (standing on tip toe, for example). Thus, heavy items and those that you use frequently should not be stored either too high up or too low down.

Lastly, to reach the highest shelves, you can use a lightweight stepping stool (but be careful not to fall off). If you do not feel comfortable with this, there are gripper devices that grab hold of any kind of object without any difficulty either from a high or low shelf (Long handle equipped with a magnetised jaw at the end).

Personal hygiene:

Showers:

If a standing position hurts you for taking your shower and prevents you from enjoying this moment of relaxation, you can place a small stool or folding seat and sit down to relieve your back. There are also grab rails that can help to support you while standing or help you to get up.

Baths:

Several precautions must be taken when using your bathtub. First of all you can equip it with a special handle to help you get in or a grab rail to help you straighten up. Installing a non-slip mat can also save you from slipping.

Making your bed: 

Two tips can help you make your bed. First of all, avoid placing your bed against the wall. You will not have to move it to make it. Lastly, choose a duvet rather than sheets as it requires less effort to make your bed and does not need tucking in.

Getting dressed:

If you have trouble putting on your shoes you can use a long handled shoe horn.

DIY tasks
 

Carpenter belt:

It allows you to always have your tools handy and saves you from constantly bending down and getting up again.

Unclogging the sink:

To reach the sink trap, it is best to lie flat on your back under your work surface. Hence, your feet are put under less stress. But remember beforehand to take your tools with you.

 

Taps, handles, keys, plugs and switches

Plug points:

If possible, place your plug points at eye level, it will save you from having to kneel.

Luggage:

Suitcases or travel bags:

When you carry luggage, avoid at all costs leaning to one side or the other. Balance yourself by carrying a bag or suitcase on either side. Whenever possible use luggage trolleys or use wheeled luggage, but remember to switch arms so as not to strain your shoulder.

Canes:

Do not hesitate to take a cane when out and about as it can greatly relieve you and give you the opportunity to walk for longer. However, you must choose your cane carefully. The height is important. The handle should reach halfway up your thigh. In addition, you should always place it on the opposite side to the pain.

Shopping bags:

As for luggage, it is better for your spine and your feet to balance the weight by taking two bags instead of one. If you can, replace your bag for shopping carts on wheels, but do not always pull it on the same side to save your shoulder. You can also choose a backpack on condition of not overloading it. Lastly, the simplest solution is home delivery; many retailers now offer this service.