ACTIVITY CAUSES YOU TO move your joints. Whether the activities are work related, recreational, or daily living tasks, adhering to joint protection principles and concentrating on good body mechanics will help you avoid exacerbation of arthritis symptoms. Something as simple as learning how to pick up a box properly can protect your joints from further damage. Recognize the difference between proper and improper movements so that moving in a way that is less stressful becomes second nature. Unnatural stress on a joint can do harm.