Whether you have arthritis, have overused your hands or have another hand or upper body condition, daily tasks may be slower and more difficult. Stiffness, pain and numbness often increase with the weather and seasonal tasks like snow shoveling or even wrapping packages. Rather than giving the same old gifts, there are many simple and inexpensive gifts that will be used and remembered throughout the year.

Heat helps to relieve stiffness and increases blood flow. There are a variety of warming mitts and heating pads available. Rice bags are reasonable in price and you can easily make these at home (instructions on our website cdahandtherapy.com). Paraffin units that you can use to coat the hand to hold in heat and needed moisture are available at department stores or online.

OK - here is one old standard - gloves. Yes you do need to wear them. There are many varieties available that have Thinsulate or other insulation, some that have warming packs or even batteries. Be sure gloves fit well and that they are non slip. Especially for weak hands, too tight of a grip can cause additional pain and damage to joints.

In fact, larger grips are a way of "saving" your hands. Using a steering wheel cover can make your steering wheel larger and easier to grip for comfort and safety. Limiting forceful or extra tight grip and forceful pinch and twist movements, as with a standard can opener, is critical. Look for larger and ergonomic handles on kitchen utensils, snow shovels and other tools.

Many people do more cooking during the holidays. Using electric food choppers, mixers and can openers can help. However you want to find ones that are easy to operate - these are not all equal so these should be tried out. Jar openers are a good stocking stuffer and are available many places. One simple and inexpensive tool is a spring loaded scissors - the self-sharpening ones are best. Kept in the kitchen these can be used to open packages (which is often a challenge). Holding the bowl still when mixing can be as simple as putting a damp towel under it, or using a nonslip piece of matting.

Also there is nothing better than a truly sharp, easy to use knife with a handle that feels good in your hand. It is far better to have one really great knife than a large variety. Many chefs use only a medium size knife, paring knife, cleaver and a bread knife. Swedish knives, often used by meat cutters, have a vertical handle so you don't have to bend your wrist.

Just being aware of these tips can open your eyes to other possibilities. You can check online by googling adaptive equipment for hands, arthritis etc. Also check out the links on the cdahandtherapy.com website. If you are having continued pain in your hands or body, therapy can help by providing you with treatment specific to your needs and goals, so you can start out with a great 2013!

Virginia Taft OTR/L, ATP, is an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Practitioner with more than 25 years experience. Her clinic, Coeur d'Alene Hand Therapy & Healing Center provides occupational and physical therapy services with a hands-on, whole body and lifestyle approach to health. Call for a free consultation 664-2901 or check us out on the Web cdahandtherapy.com.