1. Jar Opener
This type of jar opener is helpful because it can fit circumferentially around various sizes of jars, off-loading the stress on your joints! Remember to use larger joints when possible, so try to use your palm verses your fingers, and strength from your arms instead of your wrists.
2. Rocker Knife with Stabilizing Bowl
Using this type of knife & bowl to prepare meals can be an easier and safer option than traditional knives. The bowl keeps food together and helps stabilize it, and the curve of the knife against the bowl allows for a smooth glide when cutting. It helps to focus on using larger arm joints like the elbow and shoulder to control the movement, rather than smaller finger joints. The handle also allows for a fuller grasp with the palm.
3. Palm-based Dog Leash Grip
Using a palm-based leash handle to walk your dog allows less stress on the smaller joints in the fingers. They come in different sizes for various dog-weights.
4. Book holder (& holder for laptops/phones)
or
The first option is a hands-free method that can hold books or tablets. The second option is great for those who have hyper-mobile joints to prevent hyper-extension.
5. OXO brand built up dish handles
and
These eating utensils and dishware sets are easier to grasp due to their larger handles. They also come in weighted and unweighted sets. If weakness is part of your struggle, it may be helpful to try an unweighted set.
6. Bendable Eating Utensils
Bendable eating utensils allow for maximum user control with minimal effort for greater independence while eating. They are available for both right and left hands.
7. Plastic floss/water pick
or
Using these tools instead of traditional floss is easier because there isn't as great of a need to use so much force in a complex, precise pinch position. The plastic floss option still allows the feel of traditional floss without the extra hassle. The water pik is also a suitable substitute to still offer greater oral hygiene without the added fine motor movements!
8. Long handled sponge
Long-handled sponges are a great option to assist in bathing or cleaning for those who have limited mobility. These helpful personal care sponges allow for greater reaching with minimal bending. They can be found with straight or bent handles for those who have limited upper body mobility as well.
9. Raised toilet seat
Raised toilet seating increase the height of the seat, reducing the need to squat down as far to get on and off the toilet, making it easier and safer to use the restroom for those with limited mobility, especially in their lower extremities. They can be used freestanding like in the photo above, or in conjunction with frames that add armrests as well.
10. Lampkin Arthritic Golf Grip
With a unique nubbed texture and larger profile, this Arthritic Grip for golf clubs promotes much lighter grip pressure, allowing players with limited hand and arm strength to comfortably and confidently grip their clubs. "Each grip is designed to suit the different preferences of feel. Material, feedback, surface texture, tackiness, and grip taper are the key characteristics that help distinguish a grip's unique attributes."
You can find them here: https://www.lamkingrips.com/shop/arthritic-golf-grips/
More recommendations for joint protection:
Padding for handles on walker/cane
Gel pens for smoother gliding
Food processor
Electric toothbrush
Remember to use larger, stronger joints in place of smaller ones when using tools and doing activities. For example, if you need to hold a tool in your hand, try to use the whole palm versus the tips of your fingers. If you were using a tool such as the rocker knife, try to use force from your elbow & shoulder to produce the movement rather than your wrist and hand. Larger joints and muscles can tolerate activities for much longer without fatiguing, and can help reduce or avoid pain and inflammation in smaller joints that will break down faster.
You can find most of these common devices from your local stores like Target or Walmart, or online such as Amazon and by googling the device to find a perfect fit for your needs. The more complex adaptive equipment can be found online or at medical supply stores.
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