What are some suggestions for cooking tools/techniques for people that have arthritis?
I've recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and my grip is VERY poor. I can't even make a fist anymore. A few days ago I found that cutting up a left-over, cooked chicken breast was VERY difficult. Not only the knife grip, but using my left hand to hold the meat with a fork was probably worse than the knife int the right hand.
I've seen sites mention those rocking knives and tools with wide handle. I'm more interested in wide-handled tools as the rocking knives look like they would be unable to be honed.
Best Answer
You should certainly look at the OXO Good Grips brand of tools, they all have fat grips that are easier to use.
Pictures about "What are some suggestions for cooking tools/techniques for people that have arthritis?"
What equipment can help with arthritis?
Appliances such as electric can openers, food processors and mandolins for slicing make work easier. Reachers - long-handled tools with a gripping mechanism - can be used to retrieve items stored high or low. Built-up handles and grips make utensils easier to grasp and put less stress on finger joints.How do you cut food with arthritis?
Use tools for chopping and stirring Jacobs, who's also a cooking instructor, advises a rocking knife with two handles, and to make sure it's sharp for more effective cutting. For tasks that require a lot of stirring, like baking, don't use your hands at all.What are three strategies a person can use to avoid developing arthritis?
How to reduce your risk of arthritis- Stay at a healthy weight. Extra pounds put pressure on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees. ...
- Control your blood sugar. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Stretch. ...
- Avoid injury. ...
- Quit smoking. ...
- Eat fish twice a week. ...
- Get routine preventive care.
What should an arthritis patient avoid?
Here are eight foods known to contribute to inflammation and the aggravation of your arthritis symptoms.- Sweets. Consuming too much sugar increases inflammation in your body. ...
- Dairy. ...
- Fatty foods. ...
- Carbohydrates. ...
- Tobacco and alcohol. ...
- Advanced glycation end (AGE) products. ...
- Gluten. ...
- Additives.
More answers regarding what are some suggestions for cooking tools/techniques for people that have arthritis?
Answer 2
Agreed on the OXO Good Grips - I've purchased some for a relative with Parkinson's. Even for people without mobility issues, I think they exhibit well thought out design anyway.
The other thing I got was an electronic potato peeler, as they found peeling vegetables to be problematic with limited hand strength.
You might also want to look at electric carving knifes - I don't think they are as good as traditional knives, but my grandfather was able to carve a roast well into late 80s using an electric knife.
Answer 3
I imagine a Slap Chop would be useful.
"You're gonna love my nuts" - Vince
Answer 4
- OXO Good grips, definitely
- Canned or pre-cut vegetables
- Electric can opener
- Really sharp knives
- Magic Bullet or Ninja modular food-processors. Gimmicky, but they might work for you.
- Some of the ingredients in your kitchen might help relieve symptoms
Answer 5
An ulu can definitely be honed and is probably the ancestor of the rocking knives you have seen. As you control them mostly with your palm they can work very well. Wikipedia article on Ulus
Answer 6
Try using a ceramic knife. The lighter weight won't require as tight or as firm of a grip.
As for making bigger handles on tools, you might try cutting pieces of pipe insulation (available at home improvement stores) and slitting them down the length to wrap around the handles of your current tools.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Nicole Michalou, Polina Tankilevitch, Andrea Piacquadio