Healthy Habits - Your Door May Be Causing Your Arthritis

 "Doors can be more than just a means of transition between spaces. Their functionality and design can inadvertently contribute to the onset or activation of health conditions like arthritis," says Andrea Nagar, CEO and Founder of PhraseExpander.

Unmasking the Unforeseen Perils in Door Designs

A door - as innocent as it may seem - can inadvertently put a strain on our joints and potentially contribute to arthritis. Arthritis, a debilitating condition characterized by pain and stiffness in joints, can potentially be triggered or aggravated by repetitive stress on the joints. The very design and operation of some doors demand such repetitive, taxing motions that could incite arthritis over time.

Diving into the Detail: The Door Types

1. Heavy Doors

Larger and heavier doors, like those found in commercial and institutional buildings, require more force to open and close. According to versusarthritis.org, daily opening and closing over a prolonged period could place undue strain on the joints, possibly contributing to conditions like arthritis.

2. Revolving Doors

Revolving doors are found in offices, malls, and hotel lobbies. Their continuous motion can force users into unnatural wrist, arm, and shoulder movements, thereby putting unnecessary stress on these joints, leading to potential arthritis onset or aggravation.

3. Sliding Doors

While widely used in wardrobes and patio entryways, these doors need a forceful side-to-side motion to operate. This can lead to stress on shoulder and elbow joints, potentially aggravating arthritis symptoms.

4. Older and Stiff Doors

Neglected doors that become stiff and difficult to operate are another common perpetrator, according to Nagar, who explains, "When doors become difficult to open, you strain your joints. You're unknowingly causing stress on your joints."

Proactive Steps to Minimize Risks

The association between door usage and the development or aggravation of arthritis isn’t a reason to panic yet, though certain precautions are pertinent to minimize the potential risks.

1. Regular Maintenance

Doors should regularly be serviced and lubricated to ensure easy, smooth operation without stress on the joints.

2. Correct Usage Technique

It is important to use the whole body when necessary, rather than straining individual joints while operating heavy or stiff doors.

3. Implement Assistance Mechanisms

For commercial spaces with heavier doors, incorporating assistance mechanisms like automatic openers and closers can greatly reduce joint strain and the potential joint health risks.

4. Consider Ergonomic Design

During construction or renovation, consider an ergonomic door design with easy-to-use handles and slow-closing mechanisms that reduce the risk of joint strain.

Never underestimate the impact of menial tasks such as door operations on our health. It is crucial to observe proper techniques when dealing with any mechanical forces that have potential health implications. Andrea Nagar’s insights serve as a reminder for readers to understand the link between daily actions and their potential impact on conditions like arthritis.

"We can create environments that respect our health, starting from the simple act of choosing and using a door," Nagar affirms.

Careful consideration and planning will help reduce the possible risks to joint health associated with this seemingly ordinary aspect of our daily lives and living spaces. So, the next time you open a door, give a thought to what you might be inviting in.

Post courtesy of https://phraseexpander.com/.