by Pam Sissons
Great Gadgets For Arthritis Sufferers
Editor’s Note: This post is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.
Tools For Rheumatoid Arthritis Hands Make Life Easier
Having experience with dealing with hand pain, these 17 cool Arthritis gadgets for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers include some I have used, some I have not. I do know that suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in your hands can be frightening. Not only do you have to deal with pain, but your hands just don’t work. Not cool if you are a type A, on-the-go type of person.
Helpful tools, gadgets and assistive devices specifically designed hand tools for people with arthritis, can come to the rescue. There are all types of rheumatoid arthritis hand tools on the market, everything from writing tools, to dental tools to hand quilting tools to help you do what you need to do. Who knew?
What is rheumatoid arthritis of the hand?
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (learn more from the Mayo Clinic here) is due to inflammation in the joints. In this particular type of arthritis, it happens because the body’s immune system is attacking its own healthy tissues. Lovely, eh?
The rapidity at which you can go from 0 to 10 on the Pain Scale, not to mention the loss of function, in itself can be scary. This can happen quickly, frequently overnight. You may go to bed fine one night and wake up basically unable to move your hands, fingers or arms in the morning.
Symptoms of hand arthritis
Like other types of arthritis, it can begin with gradual symptoms, such as stiff hands or wrists. (For me, it was minor pain easily addressed with over-the-counter painkillers. At first.) It can eventually be followed by severe sudden onset symptoms, increased pain and the inability to use your hands. In my case, it is migratory, and can move from one hand and arm to the other, or be in both at the same time. This only presented itself to me recently when I experienced a severe and sudden flare of painful RA symptoms.
Coming To Terms With RA
Rheumatoid arthritis hand pain can be debilitating not only physically, but emotionally as well. Learning to deal with this moving target begins with understanding what’s happening. Consultation with your doctor or rheumatologist is key to staying on top of your condition.
Working with a great rheumatologist has helped a lot. But as much as I hate to admit it, there were – and will continue to be – times when my hands just don’t work. Simple tasks like holding an empty glass or a hairbrush, or trying to push a button on the microwave or my cell phone, are difficult if not impossible.
Recently I started exploring ways that may make life a little easier down the road. I was pretty surprised and pleased to see how many different types of adaptive tools for hand arthritis and assistive devices there are to help.
COMFORT & PAIN RELIEF PRODUCTS FOR HAND ARTHRITIS
When your hands or joints hurt, there is just nothing that replaces either warm or cold applied to the area. For me, the painful joints in my hands, fingers, wrists and lower arm respond really well to heat or cold, depending upon the type of pain.
1. Paraffin Bath
I remember the first time I went to a salon and got a Paraffin treatment as part of my manicure…I was in absolute heaven. If you have joint pain in my hands, you know what I’m talkin’ about! I am actually using this, and it’s heavenly.
Therabath Professional Thermotherapy Paraffin Bath
Warm paraffin wax has been used as an arthritis treatment and to relieve muscle stiffness by increasing blood flow to aid in rehabilitation
2. Ice Bags
So, there are a lot of different ice application products that work really well, from ice wraps for hands, to ice patches that can be applied directly to the skin. The old fashioned ice bags like the ones below are what I have found work the best for me. They stay cold for a long time (but not too cold), conform to different parts of the body, and are easy to fill and refill. I literally love this thing.
4 Pack Ice Bag Packs
Ideal for application of ice therapy, also can use for hot compress. Simply fill with ice and water to relieve discomfort from headaches, bruises, migraines, muscle aches and swelling.
3. Button Holer
It can be frustrating and upsetting when you are unable to button a shirt or pull a zipper, particularly during a flare-up. This is a tool to keep handy, ’cause when you need, you need it.
Button Hook and Zipper Pull One Hand Buttons aids Button Assist Device
Designed to hook around small, medium, and large round buttons, these make it easy to pull buttons through dresses, shirts, collars, and more.
4. Ergonomic Computer Mouse
I pretty much LIVE on the computer, it is both my career and my passion. Over the years I have experimented with and acquired a number of additional ergonomic computer accessories. and I am super picky about the mouse and the keyboard I use (I’ve used the Microsoft Sculpt keyboard for several years…been a winner for me). The rollerball-style mouse definitely takes the pressure off the other joints. This one is a little pricey, but your hands will thank you for it, particularly if you spend a lot of time online.
Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves
unique adjustable hinge allows you to customize the trackball angle from 0 to 20 degrees for a more natural, comfortable hand position, and reduced muscle strain.
5. Nail Clipper
This is a simple tool for a simple job, but worth it’s weight in gold. Particularly if you have thick toenails, this is a must-have. Just one of those things that should never be a struggle.
Nail Clippers For Arthritis & Disabilities
The ergonomic large and easy-to-grip handle makes it easy to cut nails. It can be used by simply placing it on a table and pushing it with the palm, arm, elbow, etc.
6. Microwaveable Mitten Set
Sometimes only a little bit ‘o cozy will do, and these fit the bill. Sort of like a nap for your hands. These are nice as you only need to warm them up in the microwave and slip them on. These make a great give for someone you love, and are easy to take along if you travel.
Microwavable Therapy Mittens
Moist Heat Therapy Relief for Hands and Fingers in Cases of Stiff Joints, Trigger Finger, Inflammation, Raynaud’s, Carpal Tunnel
7. Compression Gloves
A little different from the comfort gloves, compression gloves are designed to ease pain and tension in your hands and joints. I use these as well, and I can wear them while I’m typing, doing chores, trining the dog, whatever. I have a few pairs, each for different tasks. Sort of like wrapping a sore ankle, the gloves provide compression that enhances blood circulation and reduces discomfort.
Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves
The continuous compression and moisture wicking fabric enhance your blood circulation, facilitate hand dexterity, let your skin breathe and reduce arthritis pains and swelling.
In The Kitchen
8. Vegetable Peeler
It may not seem like a big deal to peel a couple of carrots, but if you want to make an apple pie (I do), rassle up a big pot of mashed potatoes, or homemade sweet potato fries, using a vegetable peeler can be one of the most difficult tasks in the kitchen. This one is a little different. It’s a palm peeler, which means you don’t have to tightly wrap your fingers around a narrow device and squeeze to get the job done. This one cradles easily in your palm and keeps your fingers nice and safe.
Chef’n PalmPeeler Vegetable Peeler
UN VEGGIE PREP: This ergonomic design fits comfortably in hand to effortlessly peel vegetables in seconds
9. Jar Opener
Not just for arthritis anymore! This handy kitchen tool is designed to make your kitchen experience seamless. Nothing worse than not being able to open a jar or, worse yet, hurt yourself trying.
EZ Off Jar Opener – Under Cabinet Jar Lid & Bottle Opener
Great for Seniors & Weak or Arthritic Hands. EZ Off will grab hold of any lid whether it’s factory sealed, child proof, tamper proof or just stuck from what’s inside the jar.
10. Arctic Chopping Knife
So, this is another great gift idea. Eating better as we age means eating more greens, and this makes short work of that. In our house, a salad is usually a chopped salad. I chop the greens in a wooden bowl, the veggies, olives, onions etc. then mix it all up! It is not only easier on the hands, but it really ramps up the flavor in a big way. MUCH easier on the digits compared to slicing and chopping with a kitchen knife.
Alaskan Ulu, Legendary Knife of the Arctic
The Ulu performs cutting and chopping jobs with the greatest of ease. Because the center of force is concentrated directly over the middle of the blade, it creates twice the direct downward force compared to that of conventional cutlery where the force is behind the center of the blade. Anyone, including those with hand or wrist problems, can perform cutting, chopping and mincing tasks effortlessly, as a result of this dynamic feature.
11. Potato Express
If you’re still the #1 holiday cook, this is a super joint saver. The Electric Rotato Peeler instantly peels at the push of a button. It stops automatically when the peeling is over. What more could you ask for?
Starfrit 093209-006-BLCK Electric Rotato Express
Plop on a potato, peel it and pare it in 10 seconds flat—sayonara potato skins! The Rotato Express instantly peels not just potatoes but also other fruits and vegetables at the push of a button.
In The Garden
12. Pruning Shears
If gardening is your thing like it is mine, you love to get out there and trim those bushes, flowers and shrubs. But it can really hurt you by the end of the day. Anyone who has arthritis of the hands and gardens needs a parir of shears like this. Super easy to cut.
gonicc 8″ Professional Ratchet Anvil Pruning Shears
Effortless Design – The ratcheting mechanism’s settings multiply your hand’s power by up to 3 times. As you cut through a branch, the ratcheting mechanism clicks and moves to the next setting, providing ever-increasing pressure as you cut.
13. Trowel
Same with the trowel. Digging with a regular trowel is super hard on the wrists. This ergonomic garden trowel design alleviates a lot of that strain.
Radius Garden 100 Ergonomic Aluminum Hand Trowel, Original Green
Plant trowel ideal for all gardeners, even for those with limited hand strength, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome
Leisure Time
14. Reading
This is super helpful if you have difficulty holding up your phone or tablet for any length of time. FaceTiming with someone and having to hold your device till your hands hurt? Problem solved This is a great tool you can use all over your house..
LEVO Deluxe iPad Floor Stand Kiosk
EVO floats your tablet or phone at the perfect height and angle while you sit, recline, or lie in bed. You simply get cozy, then swing, yaw, and tilt your device into perfect position. Place your device horizontal, upside-down, or anywhere in-between.
15. Knitting Needles
Ergonomically designed, these circular knitting needles are easy on the joints, more comfortable to hold.
Prym Ergonomic Design Circular Knitting Pins/Needles
Ergonomic point and grip to make knitting easier and more comfortable to hold
16. Wooden Playing Card Holders
Another perfect gift for someone you love – or yourself? A classy wooden card holder. This set of 2 holders is ideal for any type of card game, allowing elderly folks or any card players with hand joint pain to be able to relax and enjoy the game!
Exqline curved playing cards holders set of 2 measuring 13.8 x 1.9 x 2.4 inches. Perfect for children or adults with arthritis to hold playing cards. Great for playing Bridge. Canasta, etc.
17. Comfort Grip Dog Leash
EzyDog Handy 48 Bungee Dog Leash
high-quality neoprene glove-style handle for more comfort and control that makes any outing more comfortable and fun.
As much as you love Fido, pulling on a dog leash can actually cause wrist or hand pain, resulting in an injury that can even trigger a flare-up. This leash essentially leaves you hands-free, and absorbs the pulling motion that happens when your pup pulls at the lead. Soft, comfy neoprene and fits right around your hand. A smart move for both of you!
The post 17 Cool Arthritis Gadgets & Tools For Painful Hands appeared first on Winsome to Wisdom.
