If you have arthritis, self-help devices can make tasks easier on your joints and more efficient for you. These products, which range from simple to elaborate, help keep joints in the best position for functioning, provide leverage when needed, and extend your range of motion. Simple arthritis self-help devices, such as jar openers, reachers and easy-grip utensils can be purchased at many hardware or medical supply stores.
• In the bedroom. When dressing, zipper pulls and buttoning aids can help you fasten clothing. Or you can choose to wear clothing with Velcro fasteners, if available. A long-handled shoehorn extends your reach without bending.
• In the kitchen. In the kitchen, appliances such as electric can openers, food processors and mandolins (for slicing) make work easier. Reachers (long-handled tools with a gripping mechanism) can be used to retrieve items stored high or low. Built-up handles and grips make utensils easier to grasp and put less stress on finger joints. Install a fixed jar opener, or keep a rubber jar opener in the kitchen.
• In the bathroom. Tub bars and handrails provide additional stability and security when you are getting into and out of the bath or shower. These are a must if you have problems with balance. Faucet levers or tap turners are available if your grip is weak. A raised toilet seat can make it easier to sit down and get up from the toilet.
• In the office. In the work environment, many devices and modifications are available, from chairs and work surfaces with adjustable-height to telephones with large push buttons and hands-free headsets. If you are facing work modifications, you may want to see an occupational therapist about arthritis self-help tools. He or she can help you make changes and obtain the devices you need.
• At play. Leisure activities can still be enjoyable through the use of assistive arthritis devices, such as kneelers and light-weight hoses for gardening, “no-hands” frames for quilting or embroidery, and card holders and shufflers for card games.
• In the car. When driving, a wide key holder can make it much easier to turn on the ignition. A gas cap opener can help when filling the tank at the gas station.
I too have arthritis in my spine and have had similar thoughts about what will happen to me as I am only 33 and cannot tolerate any of the pain killers offered to me (believe me I have tried about 10 different drugs). I have tried Hypnotherapy recently and that helped a lot to manage my pain as does a TENS machine. I am due to go to Pain Management soon as my GP also thinks this will help me manage the psychological side of this... I think it is worth a try as my symptoms increase with stress. I am also having acupuncture which relaxes my muscles and seems to get right to the source of it! I hope you get some help!
My grandmother suffered terribly from arthritis in her hands and also loved to crochet. She and my mother devised a very clever method to help her.....they stuck the crochet hooks through wiffle balls (!) and secured them somehow and she was able to keep crocheting while holding on to the balls instead of trying to hold on to a little crochet hook. I have a gorgeous afghan to prove it!
I am looking for a portable seat cushion for a car that acts like it is on springs. I have OA in my neck that the bouncing or vibration of a car puts me in extensive pain in less than 5 miles. I have already checked out my car and it is ok. I need something to take the bounce out of the car.
Thanks for any replies.
Thank you,
Doris
I think you're talking about lace-amatic which you can google.
Some common inexpensive ones are
1. ask the pharmacist for NON child proof tops
2. just put a plastic grocery sack on the seat of your car to allow you to turn to put your feet out of car then stand up to get out and in.
It would sure be great if manufacturers used levers for doors etc instead of knobs as the numbers of us in population increase that are older and face these problems and challenges.
Sherry, I have the same problem with the door handle of my PT Cruiser. It has a big button that has to be pushed in, and my arthritic thumbs do a lousy job. That aside, the PT Cruiser is a wonderful car because it's so easy to get in and out of - except for the outside door handle! I wish they were still going to make them.
http://www.wrightstuff.biz/carvingknife1.html
Does any one know of aome places where they are less expensive?
Thanks for your help.
Thank you for your comments and inquiries. To answer your question Shelly, you can find many online vendors who sell adaptive devices simply by conducting an online word search using the words "adaptive devices," "assistive devices," or "accessible devices."
ArthritisTody.org is a consumer health-care site, published by the non-profit Arthritis Foundation, therefore we do not sell products on this site. However, we do often write about assitive devices online and in the print version, Arthritis Today magazine.
All the best,
The Editors
Arthritis Today
Thanks for posting your comment. There are a few options to ease the task of turning over a car's ignition. One is pretty high-tech, which naturally is the more expensive option. It involves the installation of a remote starter, similar to the keyless remote that allows you to unlock and lock your car. The keyless remote starter works in the same manner - it starts the vehicle with the push of a button, even from inside your home. Google "car remote starter" and your bound to find a slew of options.
The other tried and true option is an adaptive device - very low-tech, but effective - called a key lever that attaches to your car key and provides added leverage to ease the twist required to turn over the car's ignition. Again, Google "key lever" and you'll find a few options.
All the best,
The Editors
Arthritis Today magazine
Am I really doomed to a wheelchair?
Sherry Watson, OT
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