Hands Off the Rim: How to Prevent Wheelchair Hand Damage
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Chapter 1: The Journey of My Hands
I cherish my hands, those remarkable tools that have weathered the digital age, from floppy disks to emojis. Although they may have lost some of their youthful vigor, I still type away at an impressive 85 words per minute, occasionally mistyping "and" as "abd." These hands, having navigated countless keyboards, have memorized over a thousand songs, even if a few lyrics have slipped my mind. With the help of Aquaphor and Aloe, I’ve managed to minimize age spots, leaving my hands looking fabulous despite the passage of time. However, I need to prevent them from becoming battle-scarred from the rigors of wheelchair use.
Section 1.1: The Blistering Reality
My once elegant hands, now a testament to wear and tear, have suffered under the strain of wheelchair rims. After just a couple of days of use, they turned red, raw, and sore from the friction. My mother, Amabel Prime Price, suggested I wear gloves that resemble puffy marshmallow mittens, but they hinder my grip, making steering my wheelchair a cumbersome task.
In an attempt to balance comfort and function, I’ve explored various glove options. While fingertip gloves provide some protection, they also limit my dexterity. To alleviate the discomfort, I’ve opted for padded hand grips in various colors to soften the impact during my rides. I want my fingers to roam freely, finding their ideal resting spots on the handles.
Section 1.2: Self-Care for Hand Warriors
It's crucial to consult healthcare providers if you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your hands. I’ve also added wrist supports to my shopping list, just in case they’re needed to combat carpal tunnel syndrome. Although mobility can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, my wheelchair is designed for comfort, yet the spirit of freedom remains unyielding.
Self-care is key; we must take breaks and perform exercises to keep our hands strong and beautiful. For those with limited hand function, consider adaptive equipment like joysticks or sip-and-puff controls to reduce strain.
Chapter 2: The Fight Against Hand Rim Abuse
The journey into wheelchair life can be tough on your hands. As someone who is immunocompromised, I take extra precautions to avoid blisters, calluses, and other injuries. Here are my top tips for maintaining hand health:
- Friction Fighters: Choose gloves with good grip and padding to protect your skin while maneuvering your wheelchair comfortably.
- Fingerless Freedom: Opt for fingerless gloves to maintain dexterity while still shielding your palms.
- Grab Your Grips: Install extra hand grips for added cushioning and support.
- Support Those Wrists: Use wrist supports to alleviate the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Perfect Wheelchair Fit: Ensure your wheelchair is properly adjusted to minimize pressure on your hands.
- Lubricate Regularly: Incorporate healing moisturizers into your routine to prevent dryness and cracking.
- Power Up: Engage in regular hand exercises to improve strength and dexterity while taking breaks to recharge.
In life, hands tell a unique story. Consider Uncle Fred, the Fighting Blacksmith, and Jack Dempsey; their hands reveal a life of hard work and resilience. In contrast, the graceful hands of actress Hedy Lamarr tell a story of elegance. We can aspire to maintain beautiful hands while navigating the challenges of wheelchair life.
Self-care is essential for preserving the softness and strength of our hands. By protecting and pampering them, we can ensure that our touch remains gentle and powerful. Remember, taking care of your hands is a vital part of self-care.