Baking with sore joints can turn familiar steps into a series of uncomfortable grips and lifts. You may still love the smell of something in the oven while needing a very different route to get it there.
Look at the hardest movement
Is it kneading, holding a heavy bowl, rolling dough, or washing the equipment afterward? Change that step first. A lighter bowl, a stable non-slip surface, or a recipe mixed with a spoon may be more useful than buying several new gadgets.
Use appliances only as directed and ask for help moving or cleaning heavy parts. Store frequently used tools where you can reach them without climbing or stretching painfully. For some people, working at a table is more comfortable than leaning over a counter.
Choose a forgiving recipe
Drop cookies, a simple tray bake, or a smaller batch may involve fewer demanding steps than pastry or kneaded dough. Prepared ingredients can also leave you more capacity for the part you enjoy. Keep perishable foods refrigerated during breaks and arrange help with hot trays if grip or dizziness makes handling them unsafe.
Pay attention to how your hands feel afterward as well as during the task. A pleasant activity can still exceed your current limits. Adapting a recipe does not make it less yours; it gives your interests a better chance of fitting into your life now.