Arthritis Assistive Equipment
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 online.
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. Make a few wardrobe change. Minor changes to your wardrobe can reduce strain on your hands, helping to ease your overall pain and stiffness. For example, try wearing:
Shoes that slip on or use Velcro rather than shoelaces
Shirts that pull over the head rather than button up
Pants that have elastic waistbands rather than snaps and zippers
Other lifestyle changes can also be helpful. For example, when cooking, use a jar opener, lightweight pots and pans, and kitchen utensils with large handles. An occupational therapist can give you additional ideas on how to reduce strain on hand joints.
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 your free time. Leisure activities can still be enjoyable using 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.
Tools that can ease pain and stiffiness:
You can use paraffin wax to apply moist heat to your hands or feet to ease the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Paraffin assists to reduce pain and loosen up your hand and finger joints before exercise. You should consult with your doctor before trying paraffin at home.
Hand Massager with Heat, Electric Hand Machine Massager for Arthritis
And for the finale here are some simple tips to keep in mind:
Use Wide-Handled Utensils and items
Use Your Largest Joints and Strongest Muscles Instead of Your Fingers.
Make Typing Less of a Chore.
Perform slow and non-repative motion with joints.
Follow you home execise program provided by occupational therapist
Stay proactive- Track your symptoms and continue to learn about what treatments work best for you. Above all, don’t let hand osteoarthritis prevent you from doing the activities you love. Thinking ahead and making some minor adjustments can make your life with hand osteoarthritis a little easier.
Apply heat or cold
Experiment with the options below to find out whether heat, cold, or a combination of the two provide you relief.
Applying heat can help calm hand pain and stiffness by relaxing soft tissues, increasing circulation, and stimulating the production of joint fluid. There are many ways to apply heat, including using an electric heating pad, warm water bottle, moist heating pad, paraffin wax bath, or a heat wrap.
Applying cold can ease inflammation and swelling associated with arthritic hand pain and stiffness. Apply a cold pack to the affected hand joint(s) for 10 to 20 minutes. Be sure to cover the pack with a towel or cloth to prevent ice burn.
Here are some devices below:
