Make simple tasks easier on your joints — and maintain your independence — with a little help from these tools.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that commonly affects the joints in your hands, wrists, and knees. Symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and even fatigue can make it difficult to do everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and recreational activities. The good news? Certain assistive devices can help you get through your day with less pain and maintain your independence.
These tools can make almost every activity in your day easier, whether you need to open tightly closed jars, get a better grip on your keys, or go up and down stairs safely.
When should you consider using assistive devices? “Everyone comes to this decision in their own time, and many people prefer to keep doing their activities without any aids for as long as possible,” says Gayle Lang, an occupational therapy clinical specialist in the department of rehabilitation services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “But when a certain task becomes too painful or difficult to perform due to joint pain or weakness, the right assistive device might help you retain your independence and quality of life.”
For people with RA, the most difficult activities are often those that involve resistance, weight, or pressure on the joints. “Assistive devices can compensate for decreased grip strength and joint mobility, minimize stress on painful joints, and increase function with everyday tasks,” says Lang.
A variety of aids combined with changes to how you move can make it easier to accomplish daily tasks.
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Several tools and devices can facilitate meal prep and cooking, as can updates to your appliances and certain kitchen hacks. “It’s important to decide which specific tasks are most bothersome to you personally, rather than spending a lot of money on gadgets that you will never use,” explains Lang. Some smart choices include:
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In the bathroom, you want to make tasks like bending and standing easier. You can make small changes to your bathroom routine and update the products you use to make bathing and grooming safer. Start with these tips.
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From dressing, driving, and working to hobbies and household chores, these devices and small adjustments can make each activity more RA friendly.
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You can help yourself the most by learning to move in easier ways. Before you start household chores, walk around first to limber up. Be conscious of how you bend, reach, and kneel.
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“Adaptive devices are not ‘one size fits all,’” says Lang. “Each person’s arthritis is different, and not everyone has difficulty performing the same tasks. Think about your daily routines and which tasks are really bothering you. Then take the time to explore your options before making a purchase.”
You can find many of the tools to help make tasks easier online. The Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Products list highlights specific items that prevent joint strain. Before you make a purchase, you can call and talk to a customer service representative or read the reviews carefully to make sure the item will be useful to you. You can also talk to other people with RA and ask what products they recommend. “You may also consider asking your MD for a referral to an occupational therapist (OT),” adds Lang. “An OT can evaluate your specific needs and guide you to the right devices, tools, and compensatory strategies that will best fit your lifestyle.”
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