If you have a portable sewing peddle it can be place on the table next to your machine and use your hand to press the peddle. My doctor says I don't have arthritis but I do have Fibromyalgia.If I allow myself to sit out of aline then I hurt because I put to much pressure where it shouldn't be.Make sure your chair is the right height and if your foot-peddle won't stay in place, get a rubber mat so it won't move around.Get up once an hour and stretch and rotate your joints.Anything to releave the kinks.