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Treatments > Self-Treatments > Self-Help Arthritis Devices
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Self-Help Arthritis Devices

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. 

 

 

The Editors
20 Nov 2009, 10:28
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Hell Nikki,
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
Nikki
19 Nov 2009, 18:22
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I'm looking for a tried and true device for my grandmother (who has RA) to help her turn her car key while it is in the ignition. She has a key that has the keyless remote buit into it. I would really love any ideas and suggestions, as she is very down about the possibility of not being able to drive because she can't turn the key.
CJ
17 Nov 2009, 14:42
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Where can you get a gas cap opener?
Elaine
28 Oct 2009, 18:11
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I recently had bilateral knee replacements but still manage to ride my horse. However, due to inflammatory OA of my hands and hyperflexibility of the joints, I have a difficult time holding onto my reins. Has anyone used any devices on the reins to help my grip? Thanks!
Joan
13 Aug 2009, 09:49
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I am noticing lessened ability to walk, etc. due to arthitis in my spine. This makes me depressed. I don't know where to go for help. My family doctor suggested I see a pain specialist. I did that several years ago and was told there is nothing out there for me. I can't take any of the Nsaid drugs and am on Declofenic and Tylenol.

Am I really doomed to a wheelchair?
Jane Gooding
10 Aug 2009, 13:50
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a great place to get a walking cane that is fashionable and stylish is www.fashionablecanes.com. I highly reccomend it!
Judy
16 Jul 2009, 13:08
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Call Riley Children's Hospital. They have pediatric rheumatologists.
lonica from indiana
11 Jun 2009, 02:12
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I a lookng for a juvinile rheumatologis in indiana for my 12 year old son w live in monroe conty if any one knows any please let us know
christine
02 May 2009, 15:37
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I am looking for a holder for a beverage, be it a soda or a coffee from the local store, etc. I would assume it would be like those holders you can get to help you lift and pour half gallon milk cartons, but sized for a drink instead of a half gallon. I have searched all over the internet and have not come up with one yet. I find myself dropping drink classes, etc often because my grip isn't as good as it used to be because of arthritis.
Sherry Watson
10 Apr 2009, 16:44
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Hello. I'm an occupational therapist w/ the Veterans Affairs. A 74 yr. old veteran w/ arthritis is having difficulty opening the doors/pushing in the latch of the handle from the outside of his 1979 Dodge van. Do you know of a company that sells an adaptive device to help him w/ this problem? He realizes a newer car would probably not have the same problem for him but he wants to keep and continue to drive his older vehicle. Thank you!

Sherry Watson, OT
John
21 Mar 2009, 17:52
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For: Larry Brown - - You might want to try a "gel cushion." You can order it at: www.harrietcarter.com (Item# F5307). I've used one for a couple years and it really helps. ($29.98 is current price.)
Wendy
18 Mar 2009, 09:51
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I'm looking for a device to turn the pages on books for a friend of mine. The only think I can find is called Page Flip but it is fairly expensive. Has anyone seen anything else on the market?
Larry Brown
10 Mar 2009, 14:34
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I am looking for an special office chairs availiable to accomadate the arthritis in my hips

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