Preparing Foods w/Arthritic Hands

[threedogs]

I have some physical limitations (alright, I'm getting OLD and I have arthritis in my hands..) so I'm careful in food preparation. Well, our local market had huge bags of string beans marked down to $1, and I couldn't resist buying a couple of bags.

I prepared one bag yesterday, and by the evening I couldn't even open my right (I'm a righty) hand. Sigh... still have another bag I don't want to go to waste.

So my question is - if any Chowhound has some good, handy items to help in the kitchen with physical limitations like this (especially w/chores like cutting), could you share it? I usually use scissors in the kitchen, even for cutting chicken breasts - I alternated between using my kitchen shears, cutting the ends off with a knife, and just using my hands like my mom used to do - but by the evening I couldn't even open my hands due to the pain.

Typing w/fingertips takes too long, so I'll wait to respond tomorrow, most likely, so I can rest my poor sore hand.

Thanks ahead of time!

[pine time]

I've worked with seniors in the medical field for years, and now I'm using my own resources, cause I've gotten old! For all kinds of kitchen (or other household items), try googling "adaptive equipment" Here's just one example for kitchen stuff:
http://www.seniorssuperstores.com/car...

One other idea--ask for doc for a occupational therapist eval -- they're experts on these kinds of resources and other energy-conservation ways to keep you cookin' even with arthritis. Best wishes--

[Chemicalkinetics]

The Threedogs,

Obviously, a food processor will help reduce the amount of work. On the other hand, a food processor can only do so much. I am going to suggest you look into Dexter-Russell Duo-Glide knives. Pretty silly name, I know. Looking at the design, these knives shift the applied force closer to the center of the knife which favors power over speed. Therefore, these knives will be benefitical for people with limited power or arthritis. Obviously, it really depends your arthritis situation (not all arthritis are alike).

http://www.dexterduoglide.com/new_way_of_cutting.html

As you can see, the DuoGlide series has won the 2010 Houseware design award and has been recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. Here is the Arthritis Foundation website.

http://www.arthritis.org/ease-of-use-new.php?ct_id=7

Here are some videos which may be helpful to you:

http://www.dexterduoglide.com/video/d...

[threedogs]

That's the one I saw online awhile ago. It looks great - can't afford anything right now, but going to keep it in mind. Just noticed the utility knife (the link you gave for the arthritis foundation calls it a mini-chef's knife). That might be just what I need, at least at first!

My food processor broke on me - the plastic part. Guess I killed it fr overuse - so I'm keeping my eye out for another.

Thanks for the links!

Thanks

[Chemicalkinetics]

Dexter-Russell knives prices can vary from store to store. Katom's price is not too bad, so you can start here. There may be better prices elsewhere:

http://restaurant-supplies.katom.com/...

[threedogs]

Their prices are good, but the shipping adds a lot. I'm going to call places around here first to see if anyone carries it.

[Chemicalkinetics]

:) I know (the shipping fee). When I bought my knives from Katom, I purchased a few knife to make the purchase worthwhile. If you have a restaurant supply store around, you can call them and ask if they carry Dexter-Russell knives. Many do. If they do, then ask them if they can purchase the DuoGlide for you for their next purchase, so you can pick it up. (I don't expect stores to stock DuoGlide).

Good luck.

[threedogs]

Hey, that's a great idea! Yes, there are a few restaurant supply stores in my area, one is close but I've never visited. All that I've gone to in the past carry Dexter-Russell - in fact, I'm sure that's the brand I bought a few years ago.

I'm going to do that - has to wait about a month or so - but I'll post here whenever (however) I get it.

Thanks!

[RGC1982]

I have some osteoarthritis in my hands, although it does not sound as progressed as what you are describing, so I do understand your dilemma. I keep my hands out of cold things, and use my Kitchen Aid mixer, for example, to mix meatloaf or meatballs because I don't want to put my hands in cold meat.

Did you use kitchen shears to cut the beans? That motion is a lot tougher on my hands and knuckles than holding a knife and slicing a row of beans to trim them. Are you able to use a knife, or is it just your preference to use shears? If you can manage even a decent knife, lining them up as NYCKaren suggests, and just easily slicing the ends off is much, much easier than snapping a million of them by hand, or shearing them.

[threedogs]

Yes, I usually use shears. This was a much larger amt - seems that this year my hands are hurting more. Could be because this has been the first winter the heat wasn't included w/our rent - so we've had to keep it on low, as low as we can stand it. I find 64 degrees (F) has been the lowest I can take (don't know how accurate this is here). When we tried 62, that's when I'm freezing despite the several layers of clothing!

I did line some up to use w/a knife, but both my knife & my cutting board stink, so that didn't help much. (I have 2 very small cutting boards, after leaving some behind in a move a couple of yrs ago - my last apt had a kitchen so small I didn't bother getting any decent sized ones).

I plan to replace both (board & knives) soon.

[toodie jane]

hello, fellow friends of Arthur Itis. My index fingers are starting to 'go' on both hands. I got my doc to write a Rx for Aqua Therapy sessions at a local phys Therapy office that has a small (capacity 6) indoor pool.

The ceritifed (by Arthritis Foundation) instructors lead us though a series of warm ups to get our arms, legs, feet and our hands limbered up. One is sort of slowly fluttering your fingers, like slowly and gently moving up and down a piano scale. I have found this especially helpful in the evening or before doing any kind of knife work in the kitchen. As with anything else lately (helllooo, "10 minute gardening") we "friends of Arthur I." need to be sure we're warmed up, especially if we've been sitting or otherwise still. No more dashing about, throwing ourselves into kitchen tasks in a whirlwind.

"Keep Calm, and Carry On" has become my motto.

[I used to know how to cook...]

Dawned on me today I need to get an electric citrus juicer. Using a hand reamer is a real hand-killer.

Went to BedBath, they didn't have any, neither did Kohl's. Guess it's off to Amazon for me!!

Lucy

[toodie jane]

don't waster your time on the small electric reamers, you still have to bear down in an awkward way. They have no hp. If you can, find one with a powerful motor, or get an attatchment to your stand mixer, if you have one. If you don't put it on your Santa list, and make room for it on the counter where you don't have to move it.

[I used to know how to cook...]

Hi Toodie Jane,

Do you have any specific recommendations?

I do have a stand mixer - a vintage Kitchenaid Model 3-C. I believe a juicer attachment does exist for it but then I'd have to lug it out of the china cabinet every time I wanted to use it! :)

My hand issues, I'm quite sure, go way back to when I would arrive at work, cold hands and all, in the winter, and have to start taking dictation right away. To get it done before my boss had to be in court...

Lucy

Edited to add: P.S. It's cold and blowing like crazy here in SLO. How's it where you are?

[threedogs]

I'm in the Boston area - it's been cold, cold, cold most of this week. Had a few good days (last wk, I think) then it got cold again. Even snowed a bit today (didn't last - whew!)

Where is SLO?

[I used to know how to cook...]

Hi Threedogs,

SLO is 'shorthand' for San Luis Obispo, California.

I believe Toodie Jane is in this area also.

Lucy

[threedogs]

I'm so jealous! Never have been there, but I hear it's beautiful. :D

[toodie jane]

no, I don't have a recommendation for a rotary type. How about a lever press?

It's sure nice today! Balmy is the word.

[I used to know how to cook...]

Lever press... Hmm... Haven't seen or thought about those in ages. I think I used to have one and as I recall it worked very well. Sure is worth a look.

Yup - just gorgeous! 79 here right now.

Lucy

[toodie jane]

heres' one...

http://www.amazon.com/Metrokane-1009-...

[gimlis1mum]

Many years ago, when I had some overuse injuries my OT recommended that I try using kitchen knives like this (I found this picture on Google, I have never purchased from this particular vendor):

http://www.ergosource.com/ergonomic-s...

[Windy]

Those knives are wild looking!

I've also suffered from work-related hand and shoulder injuries. During a flare up, cooking prep was unthinkable.

There are a few things that help, which might also apply to arthritic hands: as noted, lighter knives are good. Anything that doesn't require gripping too tightly. Many utensils were designed by men with big hands. Get a smaller knive, and keep it sharpened.

Another is height. I realized recently that my main cutting surface is too high for me, for more than a few minutes at a stretch.

Slowing down and taking breaks is good. Think about lessening effort, especially while chopping. Use a food processor or mini-chopping device.

I am also sensitive to temperature, and my extremities run cold. Keeping your forearms warm by wearing long sleeves helps, as may wearing gloves.

Warm up your kitchen, whether it's washing vegetables in warmer water or cooking potatoes in an oven nearby, while you chop.

[magnolia]

Boy, can I relate! My best kitchen tools are scissors, pliers, and sharp knives. I have a couple of jar-opening gadgets and some OXO things. (Strong son-in-law helps, too, sometimes.) When I find very fresh green beans, I sit in a comfortable chair on the porch and take my time trimming and snapping by hand. The meditation time does wonders. Other than that, I watch the weather reports.

[threedogs]

Who needs weather reports? My body is my own, personal weather report!

[jvanderh]

I am sorry to hear about your hand pain. I don't have much experience, but this thing looks cool: http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-French-B... probably won't help you in time unless you can get free prime shipping. Got any aspiring chefs in the neighborhood who would chop for you in exchange for learning at your feet?

[BobB]

For cutting lots of that sort of thing, what about cleaning up an office paper cutter - one of these types with a flat platform and a hinged, sword-like blade at the edge?

[threedogs]

Yikes, Bob - it's basically a good idea. Only problem is my clumsy tendencies. I'd be afraid I'd cut my fingers off. Seriously - my right hand has about six or seven scars that I can see from oven burns alone. Before it all healed (well, except for the one I got this morning), it looked dreadful (I was baking a lot - and burned myself in accordance with the amt I baked). I think if I ever brought one of those home (they *do* make new ones just for paper crafts - was looking at them for some crafty things I want to do, but held off for that reason, lol), my kids would have a fit.

On the other hand, it's nice to have the tables turned, now - having *them* worry about *me* for a change, haha. ;-)

Seriously, though, the ones in the craft stores don't look so - scary - so that might work. They aren't that expensive (esp. when a place like Michael's has their 50% off coupon). It might work.

[luvsummer]

One of my cousins invented and trued, unsuccessfully, to market a similar gadget. It was a smallish cutting board, maybe 8 x 11, and a companion serrated knife with a slot near the tip that fit into a pin in the cutting board, holding the tip of the knife in place. The whole thing did operate similar to an office paper slicer, but you could take it apart easily for washing.

It was a great idea, but to keep it at an infomercial price point the quality just wasn't there. I use it a couple of times a year for scoring an "X"into chestnuts, it's perfect for that. And I suppose it might be useful for those with hand problems. It would be nice if it was made of better quality materials.

The cousin has a lot of them still in the garage, I can ask him if he'd consider selling them on eBay or something if people here think there'd be interest.

[toodie jane]

for tipping beans, how about a good pizza wheel?

[I used to know how to cook...]

That's a great idea!

Lucy

[sccrash]

Arthritis must have come in on one of God's "off" creative days..... It's the only thing that gives me any doubt a bout her gender:)

You might already do this, (however, I know some don't by the way my mother pitches a fit when I do...) but if you're taking off the pointed end of the beans, skip it. It's as edible as the rest of the beans, and they look prettier with curly ends.

It helps my thumb joints a lot to wear a brace that holds the joint relatively immobile. The orthopods molded a thermal plastic one that fits exactly. All I know how to do for fingers is to quietly practice my best cuss words and keep moving as long as I can.

Start hinting to Santa now for a voice recognition program next Christmas to free you from at least some typing- those programs are improving all the time.

Hang in there- I know it's so maddening when it seems impossible to sign your name or open a jar...

As my Dad (80 years old, four hips, two knees, and one shoulder replaced) says: "This golden age stuff just ain't what it's cracked up to be."

[threedogs]

"Arthritis must have come in on one of God's "off" creative days..... It's the only thing that gives me any doubt a bout her gender:)"

Hahaha - I have to agree!

Well, I've been buying the type of fresh beans (in the past) that you don't have to take any tips off of - either at Costco, or Trader Joes, or similar (young beans, mostly). But I moved to a new place a few months ago, & we have this fantastic fruit & veggie store near us with a discount rack that's something out of my dreams. (I'm a die-hard bargain shopper stemming from need, now need+love of bargains, ha), and can't pass up bags of stuff for $1!

I have a Mac - and it comes w/voice recognition. Have never used it because I actually prefer typing to talking! The young me who despised those typing classes back in the day wouldn't believe it. :D Fortunately, I had no choice but to learn touch-typing, and I love it. Most days it doesn't bother me - I think setting up the keyboard in a more ergonomic way would help, along w/getting a better mouse. I still have a trackball (two actually) that doesn't work, but I read is coveted by many because it was designed so well. I'm hoping to figure where I can get whatever I need to get it to work! It was perfect - don't know why they had to stop making them! (I have it buried in w/my stuff, so I can't tell you what the name is.)

My heart goes out to your Dad - I agree! I am in the process right now (encouraged by my kids who want me around a long time) of changing my diet & *trying* to exercise more - I managed to fall quite a few times & injured my knees, & one is flared up right now.

Wow, I sound like a basket case!

[sadie ml]

This might be the kind of mouse you're talking about. I use the Logitech TrackMan Wheel with my mac and I won't own any other kind of mouse-always loved these things. Now that my hands have just recently become a little arthritic, I extra love it. I just rest my hand on it and barely have to move my thumb for full cursor motions.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

[threedogs]

Yep, that's it - mine's cordless, though. I think it's the receiver that I'm missing (for both of them). Neither will work with my now-more-recent Mac. I did lots of research awhile ago to see if I could buy (whatever I'm missing), but couldn't solve my dilemma, and gave up.

I still have both, though - hoping... still! Man, some of those prices! One person has theirs listed for $222!

[luvsummer]

We've also lately become a big fan of those pre-prepped green beans, either from BJ's or Trader Joe's. They're trimmed, washed, all we have to do is dump them in a pan. Baby spinach comes that way too, and some of it you can even microwave in the pan. It's more expensive, but the grocery stores have more and more in the way of cut-up fruits and veggies. If it means a night free of pain, it's worth the upcharge. If you already belong to Costco, check out their other options. We go to BJ's and buy trimmed broccoli florets, big bags of mixed lettuce spring mix, the green beans; I'm sure Costco has similar offerings. Trader Joe often has such things but in sizes more practical for smaller households. Think of it as healthy fast food.

My mother had bad arthritis in her hands, and I suspect it's in my future as well. She often wore gloves around the house since keeping her hands warm really helped. Cold really affected her; she watched me pull the giblets out of a still partially frozen turkey once and really squirmed imagining that cold. Make sure you let the tap water run long enough to get warm before you wash your hands or the dishes.

I worked with a woman who found that wearing sturdy rubber gloves seemed to give her hands more strength, especially when doing things like vacuuming. I'm not sure why, but she swore by it. Worth a try!

[I used to know how to cook...]

Hi all,

Gosh, threedogs, I sure do hear you! I have one pretty darn dismal hand. It's my left and I'm a lefty. Of course... :)

A couple of tips...

Don't do anything requiring heavy use of your hands until you've been up for a while and they are 'warmed up' and supple.

Pace your work. For example, with the beans, prep a small amount at a time. Give your hands a break between sessions.

And, as another poster commented, the OXO utensils with large soft grips are a blessing. Those and (if you can find one...) an old-style Swing-A-Way can opener. The whole thing is longer and the turning handle is bigger. More leverage.

Speaking of knives, I use my 6" Calphalon chef's knife instead of the longer ones. Lighter in weight and the handle seems to be better for me. It wasn't expensive. As I recall, it was less than $15 at Tuesday Morning.

Lucy

[threedogs]

I can hardly open my hands first thing in the morning (that's the time of day when I actually FEEL my age, lol). I stumble around a bit until I can move better. Somehow, the fact that I have to take my dogs out first thing has, I think, been good for me. My natural inclination is to get a cup of coffee and that would be it! Pacing my work - ah, wise words & I did try that w/the beans. Except I ended up doing half of what I bought - which was a LOT. Pacing is something new for me, haha. I'm doing much better - for most things...

I'm due to get some decent knives. What I have isn't great, and I chose the wrong size when I bought them (also have some really crappy knives that I've been using instead, because they are a better size. Go figure..)

Ah, Tuesday Morning! :( They've closed the ones around me. Still have T.J. Maxx, Marshalls - and sometimes my fav New England store, The Christmas Tree Shop has some great kitchen items. I probably could buy them online, but I really prefer to at least first try them in my hands first.

I was searching awhile ago & found a knife brand made just for people w/hand pain. But the price was way beyond what I can afford (forgot the name, of course).

[critter101]

My arthritis isn't that bad, but I do keep a small pair of needle nose pliers in a kitchen drawer. Those foil tops on pills, and packaging are really hard to pull off. It works well to pull small bones from fish fillets, too. Also, a frend showed me a way to open vacuum packed glass jars...tap the lid well, and then insert the tip of a butter knife between the lid and jar. Twist the blade of the knife, and it will often break the suction, making the jar easier to open.

[threedogs]

LOVE the idea of the needle nose pliers - I'm going to get one just for the kitchen drawer (btw, my moniker is due to the three dogs in our household - until my oldest passed last fall :( , now in honor of him along w/my two other sweeties. I hope you don't actually *have* 101 critters in your household, lol!)

[toodie jane]

ditto--mine have the teeth on the inner edges so they reallllly grip well. Great for those tabs on foil-sealed bottles and jars and pill bottles. Even on milk jugs when the plastic tab breaks off , leaving nothing to pull.

Great tip, critter101 about the BUTTER knife. Do not use a good paring knife, like someone who's name...I won't mention.

[Jeri L]

Jane! Who told you I did that?!

[toodie jane]

the same person who used mine....:-)

[smartie]

I'm another with arthritic hands, I de-stemmed a whole load of strawberries saturday night and made jam and was sorry afterwards although the jam was terrific.
I have problems opening cans unless the can opener has a large twisty area so I can get a good grip. I tap jars hard before opening to release the vacuum and also use scissors on stiff plastic packaging because I can't peal the tabs back.

[threedogs]

I think those of us with hand-pain live on the idea that the results of our kitchen actions need to equal or exceed our pain in preparing them! I'd say that fresh strawberry jam DEF fits that category!! Mmm.. I bet even the aroma made it worthwhile! (hope you've recovered by now)

For opening jars I use one of those little flexable, pebbly, plastic gripper jar opener (mine is round). I've had sort of a collection (always was free fr various places) that I never needed to use until recently. That seems to work most of the time. For plastic packaging, I also usually end up cutting the bag (along w/adding a few colorful words towards the manufacturers, haha). My worse beef is when my adult son KEEPS on tying plastic bags w/out a twisty tie (so I end up having to cut the bag), or if he DOES use the twisty, he'll tie it so tight I still have to cut the bag. Arrggh!!

[arashall]

I have similar issues. Like you, I use scissors for lots of things. I also use lots of the OXO tools with the big, soft handles. And my big Victorinox chef's knife, because it's not a really heavy knife, and the handle is bigger and more comfortable to grip than many. I also line the beans up in batches for one chop.

[threedogs]

I have an OXO can opener that I now love. I say now because I didn't know how to use it for the longest time & it just sat in the drawer, unused. (Me? Read directions? Ha!) One day, when I couldn't find my other one, I suddenly realized one is supposed to use the little tip on the side to take the top of the can off - and voila! It's my favorite now. I'm going to look into other kitchen items now that the arthritis has gotten worse for me.

I also need a decent size cutting board (Ikea has one I like), and a decent sized chef's knife (I have a gi-normous one I can't even use!) I forget the brand, but it's the standard, restaurant variety that I got at a restaurant supply store awhile ago - only got the wrong size. I'm thinking it might be Victorinox also, but I'm not sure.

Obviously, I don't have the best kitchen equipment - had the teeniest kitchen before so I didn't bother, but I moved to a decent apt recently & I have room to store my stuff now. :D

[c oliver]

The video here helped me alot, specifically the pinch technique. I've got the knife doing more of the work for my weak hand. Give it a try and good luck.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6039...

[NYCkaren]

I'm sorry about your hand and I can sympathize. I don't have arthritis but my right hand is very stiff and clumsy because of M.S. I don't have any great advice but I wouldn't snap the ends off a whole bag of string beans by hand. Too time-consuming. I would line the beans up a few at a time and chop the ends off.

[threedogs]

I'm back. Actually, I've had a few days of bad pain all around, not just my hands, so I couldn't even read the replies until now. Too bad to see so many people suffer fr the same.

I don't have M.S. - my heart goes out to you. I have both arthritis & fibromyalgia (which, my dr believes is in the autoimmune category. There are times I'm also clumsy, so I can sympathize, too. Tried lining the beans up, but that was time consuming, too - I'm tempted to just cook the rest as is!

[wincountrygirl]

That's what I do. I have arthritis in my hands but not as bad as the OP.