You’ve been holding hands with your neighbor during the Our Father. As it ends, you suddenly find your hand being squeezed. Why? Perhaps to convey a special closeness not achieved by handholding alone? You reach out to shake hands at the Sign of Peace, and you are met with a hearty handclasp. Apparently this is calculated to convey enthusiasm. As well-meaning as these sentiments may be, there are many people for whom the hand squeezes and forceful handshakes are actually painful. These include the arthritis sufferers among us. For these, even an ordinary handshake can hurt.

Contrary to what many may think, arthritis is not a disease of the elderly. One in five persons older than 18 years of age has arthritis. Two-thirds of those with arthritis are less than 65 years old. It is the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States. One half of all people over 65 have it.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is also called degenerative joint disease. It is painful and debilitating. People with this disease usually have joint pain. This pain may be in the hands, and any other place joints are found. It contributes to physical limitations including standing, bending, walking, kneeling and climbing stairs. It can make genuflecting difficult, if not impossible.

Please exercise care in extending handshakes of introduction and of peace. Think twice about any unnecessary hand squeezing. If someone hesitates or declines to extend his or her hand, do not take it as an insult; it may be because of the inevitable pain.

Be aware also that many arthritic persons cannot kneel, or kneel for prolonged periods of time. If you notice someone half-kneeling, half-sitting in their pew in front of you, give some thought to sharing your space to accommodate those who need it. It is not only kind, but it is also a corporal work of mercy.

---

Ruthmarie Shea Atallah, R.N., is the parish nurse for St. Andrew Parish in Rochester.