These little tools can have a major impact on daily life with arthritis.
ByMichele Bloomquist
Reviewed:
Fact-Checked
Arthritis can make everyday activities a challenge. That’s where these 10 terrific arthritis gadgets come in. From help with buttons to opening jars, there’s a solution for almost every situation.
Table of Contents
Arthritis Gadgets: Buckle Up
Have trouble reaching for your seatbelt in the car? This clever seat belt handle easily attaches to your existing seat belt strap and extends out six inches to bring the belt within easy reach, making buckling up a breeze. Bonus feature: The glow-in-the-dark version keeps you from fumbling for your belt after the sun goes down. $8.95 each from www.aidsforarthritis.com.
Arthritis Gadgets: Extend Your Reach
Bending down or stretching up for items can be difficult when you’re stiff and sore. This lightweight, portable tool allows you to comfortably retrieve out-of-reach items. The 3-inch-wide, slip-resistant jaws have a magnet in the tip to make picking up small metal items like paperclips easier too. And the pistol-grip handle is comfortable to operate — even with stiff arthritic hands. Available in 26- and 32-inch lengths. $21.95 from www.arthritissupplies.com.
Arthritis Gadgets: Be a Pack Rat
Cut down on multiple trips to the car and keep heavy shopping bags from digging into your palms with this ingenious carrying tool that allows you to port up to 50 pounds and multiple bags at once. The cushioned handle is easy to grip and the EZ Carry is small enough to slip into a glove box or purse so it’s always there when you need it.
Arthritis Gadgets: Open Up
Opening jars can be difficult for anyone, but with arthritis the twisting motion can be downright painful. This electric jar opener from Black and Decker comes to the rescue, twisting off even the most stubborn lids with the touch of a button. Available for $18.75 from Amazon and stores that carry Black and Decker products.
Arthritis Gadgets: Give Yourself a Lift
Eliminate the struggle to get up out of your chair with the Upeasy Lifting Cushion. The hydraulic design gives you the boost you need to get on your feet from any hard surface or chair without the need for batteries or electricity. It supports up to 70 percent of your body weight as it lifts. And at just nine pounds, it’s easy to move from one place to another. $119 from www.spinlife.com.
Arthritis Gadgets: Get Dressed in a Zip
Simple everyday tasks like buttoning and zipping clothing can be tough with stiff arthritic hands. This little multi-purpose tool comes to the rescue, slipping buttons into holes on one end and hooking zippers to make them easier to pull. A soft rubber handle makes it easy to grip. $12.95 from www.arthritissupplies.com.
Arthritis Gadgets: Get a Grip on Mealtime
Kitchen tools like slim forks, spoons, and knives can be difficult to grasp with arthritic hands. Make mealtime easier with these Good Grip Utensils that feature large, ribbed, ergonomic rubber-like handles. Swiveling action allows you to twist them into the most comfortable position. The dishwasher-safe set comes with a fork, knife, tablespoon, teaspoon, and small spoon. $39.95 from www.arthritissupplies.com.
Arthritis Gadgets: Take Charge of the Remote
Television remote controls may be convenient, but many have tiny buttons that can be difficult to operate with inflexible fingers. So swap out your remotes for this universal one that can be programmed to replace up to four remotes for televisions, VCRs, DVD players, and cable boxes. The “I” shaped design is easy to hold and the extra-large buttons are super-easy to push. $34.95 from www.arthritissupplies.com.
Arthritis Gadgets: Dig In
Enjoy gardening but have trouble holding your hand trowel or hand rake? Swap them out for these easy-to-grip versions that make digging and gardening a breeze. The ergonomic design keeps your wrist in a natural position while the sturdy stainless steel blades cut into soil cleanly and easily. Heavyweight handles feature a slip-resistant design. $39.99 from www.pattersonmedical.com.
Arthritis Gadgets: Get Lost in a Book
If you find yourself reading less because arthritis symptoms make holding books and magazines difficult, treat yourself to this portable book holder that does the job for you. It adapts to hold a book of any size, and the stand doesn’t interfere with easy page turning. The book holder folds flat for easy carrying and storage. $18.99 from www.pattersonmedical.com.
Arthritis Gadgets: Dress It Up
If stooping and stretching to get on pants, socks, and shoes gives you trouble, try this dual-purpose dressing stick that extends your reach and makes getting dressed easier. The push-pull S-hook on one end tugs clothing into place. A shoehorn on the opposite end makes putting on shoes easier, too. And the easy-to-hold, foam-covered handle is soft to the touch. Available in 24- or 30-inch lengths. $21.99 from www.pattersonmedical.com.
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