19/02/2026
Tips for managing household tasks with a sore wrist or thumb 🤍
If everyday jobs are flaring up your wrist or thumb pain, a few small changes can make a big difference 👇
🍳 In the kitchen
• Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need so it’s lighter to pour
• Place a colander in the sink when draining rice or pasta so you can use both hands on the pan
• Wear oven gloves when holding pans or the kettle to spread the load across both hands
• Tap the side of a new jar lid on a firm surface (bench top or chopping board) to release the seal
• Use grippy mat pieces to hold both the jar and lid — great for bottles too
• Consider a jar-opening aid if grip strength is an issue
💻 At the computer
• Use a rolled towel or forearm support to keep wrists in a more neutral position
• Try an ergonomic mouse to reduce wrist strain
• Take regular breaks from desk work
• Roll your shoulders and stretch your arms to support posture
• Use a foam roller to ease tight upper-back muscles
For a deeper dive into wrist and thumb pain management, check out our blog post on the clinic website from May last year;
https://www.totalphysiomv.com/osteoarthritis-in-the-hands/
It’s packed with extra tips and practical advice.
If pain is lingering or getting in the way of daily life, a physio or hand therapist can help 👋
