Arthritis affects millions worldwide and can cause stiffness and joint pain, especially in the hands. As a result, performing everyday tasks such as opening a jar, typing, and cooking can be challenging. However, several assistive devices for people with arthritis can maintain strength and flexibility in their hands while making everyday tasks more manageable.
In this blog, we will discuss seven such devices for people with rheumatoid arthritis that people with hand arthritis can use.
The Difficulties of Arthritis
People with arthritis often face difficulties performing everyday tasks such as opening a jar, or a door, putting their shoes on, writing, typing, cooking, or even using silverware. The pain and stiffness in their hands can make gripping and holding objects difficult, leading to frustration and dependence on others.
Maintaining strength and flexibility in the hands is crucial for people with arthritis. It can help reduce pain and improve overall function, making daily activities easier. Using devices for people with arthritis that promote hand exercises can help improve grip strength and flexibility.
1. Devices that Help with maintaining flexibility and strength
There are several devices for people with arthritis available that can help people with arthritis grip objects more easily. Let’s discuss a few of them:
Hand Grip Strengthener
A hand grip strengthener is one of the best devices for people with arthritis that is designed to help people with arthritis build grip and increase strength. It consists of a spring-loaded mechanism that allows users to exercise their hands by squeezing the device. This exercise can help improve hand strength and reduce pain.
Finger Exerciser
A finger exerciser is one of the efficient devices for people with arthritis that can help people with arthritis improve their hand strength. It consists of a small plastic or metal device with buttons or levers that users can press with their fingers. This exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the fingers and hand.
Grip Strength Trainer
A grip strength trainer is a device that allows users to exercise their entire hand and wrist. It consists of a ball or other object that users can squeeze with their hand. This exercise can help improve grip strength and flexibility.
2. Moisturizing Paraffin Bath
A moisturizing paraffin bath is a device that can help soothe and moisturize the hands, elbows, and feet. It consists of a heated container filled with paraffin wax. Users dip their hands into the wax, which coats the skin, providing heat therapy and moisturizing benefits.
3. Weighted Knives, Forks, and Spoons Silverware Set
A weighted silverware set is designed to help people with arthritis grip and use utensils more easily. The added weight can provide stability and reduce hand tremors, making eating more accessible.
4. Cooking Tools + Gripping Foam
Cooking tools with added grip foam can help people with arthritis hold and use kitchen tools more efficiently. The foam provides a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue and pain.
Foam Tubing Grips to Make Built-Up Utensils Handles
Foam tubing grips make built-up utensils handles that can be added to utensils to make their handles thicker and more accessible for gripping. This added thickness can reduce hand strain and make utensils more comfortable.
5. Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves
Arthritis hand compression gloves can provide gentle compression, which can help reduce swelling and pain in the hands. They can also help improve circulation, which can help maintain hand flexibility.
6. Door Knob Cover Grips Non-Slip Arthritis
Door knob cover grips can make it easier for people with arthritis to turn doorknobs. These covers provide a non-slip surface, making gripping and turning the doorknob easier.
7. Wider-grip pens
Arthritis in the hands can make it challenging to write, whether taking notes or signing documents. Many individuals with arthritis struggle with gripping a standard pen, leading to discomfort and pain in the hands. Fortunately, there are pens available that are designed specifically for people with arthritis.
One popular type of pen for arthritis is a wider-grip pen. These devices to aid in typing for people with arthritis are designed with a larger diameter, making it easier for individuals with arthritis to hold and grip the pen. The wider grip reduces the strain on the hands and fingers. These pens typically have a softer grip material. This helps to reduce the amount of pressure needed to hold the pen and allows for a more comfortable writing experience.
In addition to wider-grip pens, some are designed with an ergonomic grip. These pens are shaped to fit comfortably in the hand, reducing the amount of strain on the fingers and wrist.
Conclusion
Arthritis can significantly impact one’s ability to perform everyday tasks such as opening a jar, writing, cooking, and more. However, there are several devices for people with arthritis and tools available to help individuals with arthritis maintain strength and flexibility in their hands and manage these tasks efficiently.
Hand grip strengtheners, finger exercisers, grip strength trainers, moisturizing paraffin baths, weighted silverware sets, cooking tools with gripping foam, foam tubing grips for built-up utensil handles, arthritis hand compression gloves, wider grip pens and non-slip door knob cover grips are some of the essential devices for people with arthritis that can make a significant difference in the lives of people with arthritis. By incorporating these devices into their daily routines, individuals with arthritis can continue to lead active, independent lives with greater ease and comfort. If you need help with hand arthritis or an evaluation, Rheumatologist OnCall and Dr. Diana Girnita will gladly serve you.
