The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates that one out of every five persons living in the U.S. exhibits signs or symptoms of arthritis in at least one joint -- frequently in the hands or wrists. When your joints are attacked by arthritis, it can be difficult for you to grasp an object. Moldable grips distribute pressure more evenly across the palm of your hand to make objects easier to hold.
Loss of Grip
Loss of grip strength is a common symptom in arthritis of the hand and wrist. The joints in hands and wrists contain cartilage, which provides a gliding surface for the joint. When the cartilage becomes damaged -- or worn out due to trauma or disease -- the joint loses mobility. Activities that involve gripping, such as opening a jar, become more difficult and painful to carry out.
Larger, Softer Grips
Some arthritis sufferers manage their grip difficulties by taping a layer of thin foam rubber around the handles of pens, eating utensils, brushes and other tools. Products are also commercially available that come with enlarged handles to lessen the strain on the hands. Others can be stretched over a door knob or jar lid to facilitate gripping. And some dining utensils equipped with large, soft rubber handles that mold to the user's grip can be bent at different angles.
Thermoplastic Aids
Heat-forming polymeric materials that can be molded into customized hand grips have been around at least since the 1980s. These materials can be heated with hot water or a hair dryer and then molded to the desired shape. The downside for arthritis sufferers is that you still need sufficient grip strength to mold them. Another problem is that the materials do not adhere well to underlying surfaces.
Moldable Polymer Clay
According to the not-for-profit Illinois Assistive Technology Program in Springfield, Illinois, pliable polymer clay available in hobby shops can be used by people with grasping disabilities to hold a variety of utensils and tools. The material is first shaped into its desired form, and then baked at 275 degrees F for 15 to 30 minutes. Polymer clay can be used to enlarge the handles of kitchen utensils and flatware; to make an easy-to-grip toothbrush handle; and to make pens, pencils and other writing utensils easier to hold.
References
- Illinois Assistive Technology Project; Molded Built-Up Handles; September 2004
- University of Connecticut Health Center: Hand and Wrist Conditions and Treatments
- University of Washington Medicine: Using Joints Wisely
- "United States Patent"; Moldable Hand Grips -- Patent 4785495; Edward A. Dellis; November 1988
- Tom Ridley; Illinois Assistive Technology Program; Springfield, Illinois
- Ray Tilson; Katsoft3D; Lantana, Florida
