The pain, swelling and inflammation that characterize arthritis can make even the simplest activities difficult to accomplish because joint disease compromises balance, stability and grip strength. However, tools designed for people with arthritis can offset mobility limitations, protect joints, provide leverage and make life easier, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
Benefits
Arthritis tools provide a variety of benefits, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. They allow you to hold your joints in the best position for function, critical for people who want to prevent the joint damage, bone loss and erosion that accompanies arthritis. For people with limited grip or muscle strength, they provide leverage, reducing hand fatigue and pain. Arthritis tools also extend your range of motion, making it easier to carry out daily activities.
Types
Arthritis tools include ambulatory aids, such as wheelchairs, walkers, rolling chairs, canes, braces, crutches and splints. When getting dressed, arthritis patients may find long-handled shoehorns, rings or tassels make it easier. While cooking or preparing food, foam grips, long handles, jar openers and spring-loaded tools reduce hand fatigue and improve grip. People with arthritis report that heating or warming tools, such as heating pads, paraffin baths, heated slippers and even hot tubs and spas, relieve pain and inflammation.
Considerations
For a person with arthritis, don't overlook the bathroom. Bathroom modifications are critical because slips and falls can cause serious injury to joints. Door levers, as opposed to knobs, can make it easier to get in and out of the restroom. Adding treads and grab bars to the bathtub or installing a shower seat or shower rail make a slippery surface more stable, and using an elevated toilet seat can reduce bending and make it possible to toilet independently.
Cost
The cost of arthritis aids vary widely. Simple modifications such as adding foam rollers to kitchen tools or using a long-handled shoe horn cost about $10 or less, as of August 2010. Home modifications such as grab bars and elevated toilet seats cost between $30 and $80. Ambulatory aids, such as a walker or rolling cart, may cost $60 or more. Other items, such as wheelchairs, wheelchair accessories and hot tubs, may cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Evaluation
To determine the types of arthritis tools you need, the University of Washington suggests meeting with an occupational therapist, who can evaluate the type of arthritis you have, the type of activities you do and make specific suggestions for tools. The occupational therapist can demonstrate how to use the tools properly to protect your joints and relieve pain and inflammation.
References
- Minnesota Department of Health: Self-Help Tools for Arthritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases:
- University of Washington Medicine: Assistive Devices
- Iowa State Extension: Clothing Ideas for People with Arthritis
- University of Missouri Extension: Bathroom Safety for Older People
