17 Cool Gadgets For Arthritis & Tools For Painful Hands

by Pam Sissons

GREAT GADGETS FOR ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS

Editor’s Note: This post is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

Arthritis Gadgets for Painful Hands Make Life Easier

Having experience with dealing with hand pain, these 17 cool gadgets for arthritis sufferers include some I have used, some I have not. I do know that suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in your hands can be frightening. Not only do you have to deal with pain, but your hands just don’t work. Not cool if you are a type A, on-the-go type of person.

Helpful tools, assistive devices and handy gadgets – specifically designed hand tools for people with arthritis, can come to the rescue. There are all types of rheumatoid arthritis hand tools on the market, everything from writing tools, to dental tools to hand quilting tools to help you do what you need to do. Who knew?

What is rheumatoid arthritis of the hand?

Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (learn more from the Mayo Clinic here) is due to inflammation in the joints. In this particular type of arthritis, it happens because the body’s immune system is attacking its own healthy tissues. Lovely, eh?

The rapidity at which you can go from 0 to 10 on the Pain Scale, not to mention the loss of function, in itself can be scary. This can happen quickly, frequently overnight. You may go to bed fine one night and wake up basically unable to move your hands, fingers or arms in the morning.

Symptoms of hand arthritis

Like other types of arthritis, it can begin with gradual symptoms, such as stiff hands or wrists. (For me, it was minor pain easily addressed with over-the-counter painkillers. At first.) It can eventually be followed by severe sudden onset symptoms, increased pain and the inability to use your hands. In my case, it is migratory, and can move from one hand and arm to the other, or be in both at the same time. This only presented itself to me recently when I experienced a severe and sudden flare of painful RA symptoms.

Coming To Terms With RA

Rheumatoid arthritis hand pain can be debilitating not only physically, but emotionally as well. Learning to deal with this moving target begins with understanding what’s happening. Consultation with your doctor or rheumatologist is key to staying on top of your condition.

Working with a great rheumatologist has helped a lot. But as much as I hate to admit it, there were – and will continue to be – times when my hands just don’t work. Simple tasks like holding an empty glass or a hairbrush, or trying to push a button on the microwave or my cell phone, are difficult if not impossible.

Recently I started exploring ways that may make life a little easier down the road. I was pretty surprised and pleased to see how many different types of adaptive tools, arthritis gadgets, and assistive devices there are to help.

COMFORT & PAIN RELIEF PRODUCTS FOR HAND ARTHRITIS

When your hands or joints hurt, there is just nothing that replaces either warm or cold applied to the area. For me, the painful joints in my hands, fingers, wrists and lower arm respond really well to heat or cold, depending upon the type of pain.

1. Paraffin Bath

I remember the first time I went to a salon and got a Paraffin treatment as part of my manicure…I was in absolute heaven. If you have joint pain in your hands, you know what I’m talkin’ about! I now use a paraffin wax bath for chronic arthritis in my hands. I am actually using this particular brnad, and it’s heavenly.

2. Ice Bags

So, there are a lot of different ice application products that work really well, from ice wraps for hands, to ice patches that can be applied directly to the skin. The old fashioned ice bags like the ones below are what I have found work the best for me. They stay cold for a long time (but not too cold), conform to different parts of the body, and are easy to fill and refill. I literally love this thing.

You can use this on your hands, your shoulders, knees, even your feet. There simply is no substitute in my opinion.

3. Button Hook

It can be frustrating and upsetting when you are unable to button a shirt or pull a zipper, particularly during a flare-up. This button hook for arthritis assistance is one of those gadgets you will want to keep handy, ’cause when you need, you need it.

4. Ergonomic Computer Mouse

I pretty much LIVE on the computer, it is both my career and my passion. Over the years I have experimented with and acquired a number of additional ergonomic computer accessories. and I am super picky about the mouse and the keyboard I use (I’ve used the Microsoft Sculpt keyboard for several years…been a winner for me). The rollerball-style mouse definitely takes the pressure off the other joints. This one is a little pricey, but your hands will thank you for it, particularly if you spend a lot of time online.

5. Nail Clipper

This is a simple tool for a simple job, but worth it’s weight in gold. Particularly if you have thick toenails, this is a must-have. Who knew that one of those things that should never be a struggle would end up being a nail clipper? Arthritis is a pain. Literally!

6. Microwaveable Mitten Warmers For Arthritis Hands

Sometimes only a little bit ‘o cozy will do, and these fit the bill. Sort of like a nap for your hands. These are nice as you only need to warm them up in the microwave and slip them on. Microwaveable mitten warmers for arthritis hands actually make a great give for someone you love, and are easy to take along if you travel.

7. Compression Gloves

A little different from the comfort gloves, compression gloves are designed to ease pain and tension in your hands and joints. I use these as well, and I can wear them while I’m typing, doing chores, trining the dog, whatever. I have a few pairs, each for different tasks. Sort of like wrapping a sore ankle, the gloves provide compression that enhances blood circulation and reduces discomfort.

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Arthritis Gadgets In The Kitchen

8. Vegetable Peeler

It may not seem like a big deal to peel a couple of carrots, but if you want to make an apple pie (I do), rassle up a big pot of mashed potatoes, or homemade sweet potato fries, using a vegetable peeler can be one of the most difficult tasks in the kitchen. This one is a little different. This is one of the best arthritis tools for hands that struggle. It’s a palm peeler, which means you don’t have to tightly wrap your fingers around a narrow device and squeeze to get the job done. This one cradles easily in your palm and keeps your fingers nice and safe. For many folks, this is one of those hand arthritis gadgets you just can’t live without.

9. Jar Opener

Not just for arthritis anymore! This handy kitchen tool is designed to make your kitchen experience seamless. Nothing worse than not being able to open a jar or, worse yet, hurt yourself trying.

10. Arctic Chopping Knife

So, this is another great gift idea. Eating better as we age means eating more greens, and this makes short work of that. In our house, a salad is usually a chopped salad. I chop the greens in a wooden bowl, the veggies, olives, onions etc. then mix it all up! It is not only easier on the hands, but it really ramps up the flavor in a big way. MUCH easier on the digits compared to slicing and chopping with a kitchen knife.

11. Potato Express

If you’re still the #1 holiday cook, this is a super joint saver. The Electric Rotato Peeler instantly peels at the push of a button. It stops automatically when the peeling is over. What more could you ask for?

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In The Garden

12. Pruning Shears

If gardening is your thing like it is mine, you love to get out there and trim those bushes, flowers and shrubs. But it can really hurt you by the end of the day. Anyone who has arthritis of the hands and gardens needs a pair of shears like this. Super easy to cut.

13. Trowel

Same with the trowel. Digging with a regular trowel is super hard on the wrists. This ergonomic garden trowel design alleviates a lot of that strain.

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Leisure Time

14. Reading

This is super helpful if you have difficulty holding up your phone or tablet for any length of time. FaceTiming with someone and having to hold your device till your hands hurt? Problem solved This is a great tool you can use all over your house..

15. Knitting Needles

Ergonomically designed, these circular knitting needles are easy on the joints, more comfortable to hold.

16. Wooden Playing Card Holders

Another perfect gift for someone you love – or yourself? A classy wooden card holder. This set of 2 holders is ideal for any type of card game, allowing elderly folks or any card players with hand joint pain to be able to relax and enjoy the game!

17. Comfort Grip Dog Leash

As much as you love Fido, pulling on a dog leash can actually cause wrist or hand pain, resulting in an injury that can even trigger a flare-up. This leash essentially leaves you hands-free, and absorbs the pulling motion that happens when your pup pulls at the lead. Soft, comfy neoprene and fits right around your hand. A smart move for both of you, and one of those arthritis gadgets that can really make a difference in your day!