10 ways to protect your joints this winter

From thetimes-tribune.com

Northeast Pennsylvania has experienced more than its share of bitter cold temperatures this winter. And, as much as I enjoy skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing, I have noticed a few achy joints when the mercury plummets.

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is often considered to be a normal part of aging. Usually by the age of 40 our joints, especially those which are weight bearing (lower spine, hips, knees, ankles, feet), begin to show signs of wear and tear. The cartilage begins to thin, the joint surfaces are not as smooth, and fluid that lubricates the joint becomes diluted, dehydrated and less protective. Consequently, these aging joints become stiff, sore, weak and sometimes swollen.

Most people with osteoarthritis report additional pain and stiffness in the winter and early spring due to cold, damp weather, of which NEPA has plenty. The cold, for example, restricts the flow of blood to the joints, leading to more pain and stiffness. While moving to a warmer and less humid climate is one solution, it is not practical for most. But there are other alternatives to protect and keep your joints healthier this winter and early spring.

                      Winter weather can cause real problems for those with osteoarthritis. (COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM)

Paraffin bath and hot packs

A paraffin bath is one of the best methods to apply heat to your hands and feet to ease pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. A special heating unit works like a crockpot to melt the wax to liquid form. The hands and/or feet are dipped into the wax several times to create a warm coating around the entire area. A 20- to 30-minute treatment while watching TV or listening to good music will provide pain relief, improve mobility in the joints and bring life back to winter-damaged skin. $39 to $159 at bedbathandbeyond.com.

Hot packs, electric and microwavable, offer heat to promote blood flow and lessen joint pain and stiffness. They are great for neck and lower back pain, depending on the shape of the pad. Consider rectangle for lower back and cylinder/round to wrap around neck and joints of arms and legs. SourceMed.com offers an electric pad that creates moist heat for $59, and a microwave “bed buddy” (herbal or nonherbal) can be found for $9 to $43 at TheWarmingStore.

Hand and toe warmers

Hand and toe warmers are small packets placed in the gloves or boots of skiers, campers and hikers to keep the hands and feet warm. These disposable warmers can also be used by anyone with cold hands or feet, whether you are shovelling snow, attending an outdoor event in the cold or sitting in a cold, draughty room watching TV.

Knee, ankle, wrist and elbow sleeves

Supportive sleeves for the joints can provide protection and warmth year-round, but especially during the cold winter and early spring. Those made with neoprene material offer warmth and compression and can be valuable when participating in activities such as skiing, walking, running and basketball, to name a few. Additionally, they can be helpful for those suffering joint pain with daily activities like grocery shopping or housework. These devices should not be used when sitting for prolonged periods of time or sleeping.

There is no scientific evidence that supports the use of copper or magnets weaved into the sleeves for additional pain relief.

Compression shorts and shirts

Similar to neoprene sleeves, compression shorts, pants and shirts can be invaluable to those participating in outdoor activities in cold temps. UnderArmor, Reebok, Nike and others make these products, which can also be worn indoors for those working in cool, draughty environments.

Hot tub

It seems obvious how and why hot water and massaging water jets can soothe sore joints and muscles. To ensure additional pain and stress relief, add a candle, soft music and a cocktail!

Low-impact exercise for legs and arms

If you suffer from osteoarthritis in the joints of your lower body, you would be well advised to limit impact activities such as running and basketball. Instead, walk, swim, use the elliptical and bike to protect your joints. If you have arthritis in the joints of the upper body, use low weights, and avoid push-ups and dips, which transfer your body weight through the arms.

Heat vest or jacket

As many of you know, I love outdoor activities year-round. However, with age I have become a little more sensitive to the cold, which can be a problem when you are skiing, skating, snowshoeing or hiking. Fortunately, technology has made it possible to be warm in the cold. I love my heated vest because it not only keeps me warm, but I require fewer layers and less bulk to be toasty. These products come with a rechargeable battery. Heated gloves are also available. Vests and jackets range in price from $60 to $200, but you don’t have to buy the most expensive to get a good result. Visit www.ororowwear.com, www.ihoodwarm.com, www.amazon.com.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

These over-the-counter, non-prescription drugs include aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which are very effective in the treatment of the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. A topical NSAID, Voltaren, is also available over the counter. However, like all drugs, they are not without their risks, so you should consult with your primary care physician and pharmacist before using them. For example, NSAIDs can thin the blood, irritate the stomach and may interact with other medications.

Topical creams

Topical analgesics or pain relievers (Lidocane, Capsacian) can be rubbed into or sprayed on the skin over the affected area. Some products are counterirritants using menthol, methylsalicylate and camphor, which provide a sensation on the skin other than pain. Salicylate-based products can work like aspirin to provide relief from mild pain and inflammation. Capsaicin-based products can also provide temporary relief via the counter-stimulation of warmth and tingling.

A few things to keep in mind when using these products: One, discuss it with your physician or pharmacist. Two, topical agents are more effective in superficial joints such as the fingers, toes, wrist, elbow, knee and shoulder than in the deep tissues of the hip, buttocks or lower back. Three, wash your skin thoroughly after using these products and before using heat, cold or electric stimulation.

Massage

The therapeutic benefits of massage are well documented. However, like most treatments, it is important to find a qualified professional that meets your needs. Licensed physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and massage therapists are the best choice. Benefits include relief from pain, headaches, muscle spasm and stress, and improved relaxation, posture and breathing.

https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2025/02/23/10-ways-to-protect-your-joints-this-winter-2/

'I'm a Rheumatologist, and These Are 2 Things You Should Never, Ever Do If You Have Arthritis'

From parade.com

Find out what works better, straight from a doctor 

Arthritis isn't just painful. It’s disruptive and can get in the way of living life fully. Arthritis, which is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., can cause swelling, pain and stiffness. It can make simple actions like walking or typing difficult.

What can help take this type of pain away? As a rheumatologist explains here, there are some treatment options people seek out that truly can help, but there are two popular treatments he warns against.

                                                                                    MoMo Productions/Getty Images

2 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Arthritis, According to a Rheumatologist

Dr. Julius Birnbaum, MD, MHS, is an associate professor of rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and author of Living Well with Autoimmune Diseases: A Rheumatologist's Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health. He hears from patients regularly about how the pain of arthritis is impacting their life.

Even though the pain can be debilitating, Dr. Birnbaum warns against using opioids to manage it. “In most cases, the use of opioid medications should not be the first-line medication used. Furthermore, opioid medications should not be used before conservative strategies are tried,” he says.

The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons has this stance as well. On their site, they explain that opioids do not provide long-term relief for arthritis. Additionally, people who take opioids and have joint replacement surgery are at an increased risk for complications after surgery, including infection, needing a second surgery and becoming dependent on opioids.

There is something else Dr. Birnbaum warns people with arthritis against. “During the treatment process, a physician might decide that corticosteroid injection into an affected joint is warranted. This is referred to as an ‘intra-articular’ joint injection. However, patients should avoid intra-articular injection of glucosamine,” he says. According to scientific research, there is insufficient evidence that injecting glucosamine (a natural compound found in cartilage) into the joint is beneficial.

What To Do Instead

What does Dr. Birnbaum recommend instead? He recommends exploring options that include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and exercise, such as tai-chi or yoga. “In many situations, there can be topical use of NSAIDs that can be applied to a few joints and does not carry the risk of systemic absorption,” Dr. Birnbaum says.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about which treatment method is the best fit for you. For example, Dr. Birnbaum says that NSAIDs can be beneficial for some people with arthritis, but people with kidney disease or bleeding disorders shouldn’t take them. He adds that duloxetine is another medication that can also be used, especially if there is a contraindication to NSAIDs.

Scientific research shows that gentle movement, like tai chi, is linked to reducing pain and improving physical functioning in people with knee arthritis. It’s also associated with lower rates of depression. Similarly, scientific research shows that yoga can help people with arthritis safely increase their level of physical activity and improve overall physical and mental health.

If you have obesity, Dr. Birnbaum says that weight loss can be a beneficial part of an arthritis treatment plan. Weight loss reduces the amount of stress put on joints and also increases physical function. Scientific research shows that obesity is associated with a faster profession of osteoarthritis compared to people at a healthy weight.

Treating arthritis doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all plan. It’s important to talk to your doctor about what treatment option is the best fit for you. But turning to opioids or an intra-articular injection of glucosamine as a first treatment option isn’t a good idea for anyone. An alternative treatment plan may take longer to work, but it will be safer and more successful long term.

https://parade.com/health/what-not-to-do-if-you-have-arthritis

Dr. Samir Bhirud - Managing Arthritis Symptoms During Winter

From outlookindia.com

Arthritis affects people year-round, but the cold and wet months of winter can intensify symptoms, making management more challenging.

For many people living with arthritis, changes in weather, particularly cold and damp conditions, are directly linked to increased joint pain.

67.9 percent of the people surveyed responded that changes in the weather affect their pain. Most of the patients experienced heightened discomfort before rain or cold weather.

However, the true culprit may be changes in barometric pressure. As barometric pressure drops with approaching storm systems, tissues in the body can expand slightly, putting pressure on nerves that transmit pain signals.

To mitigate winter-related arthritis pain, here are some practical strategies:

Dressing Properly

• Layer Up: Wear loose layers to trap body heat effectively.

• Protect Extremities: Use mittens or gloves, hats or beanies, scarves, socks, and waterproof boots to keep hands, head, neck, and feet warm and dry.

Stay Hydrated:

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining joint lubrication. Even in winter, drink enough water to keep your joints functioning smoothly.

Keep yourself warm

• Have a long soak in a warm bath or a hot shower. Not only will this warm you up, but it will also ease your joints.

• Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket if needed.

• Keep your home at a temperature that suits you.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Plan physical activities that are easy to do during winter, such as:

• Walking indoors

• Involve yourself in household chores

• Play with children

• Swimming indoors, such as Hydrotherapy

• Taking an aerobics or yoga class

• Listening to music and dance

• Using the stairs instead of the elevator

• Do stretching or light exercises while watching TV

Consider home workout sessions and online classes tailored for people with arthritis, such as low-impact aerobics, yoga, and pilates.

Take vitamin D

More time indoors means less opportunity to get the "sunshine vitamin," which works with calcium to keep bones strong. Consult your doctor about a vitamin D supplement.

Stay Motivated and Plan Ahead

Anticipate weather changes and have a warm exercise routine ready to go indoors.

Calcium Supplementation

• Calcium plays a vital role in bone health, and ensuring adequate intake through supplements and dietary sources is essential.

• While calcium supplements can help meet daily requirements, it is best to balance these with calcium-rich foods to enhance absorption and overall nutritional benefits.

• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources, along with leafy greens like spinach and fortified foods such as cereals and orange juice.

• Additionally, nuts and seeds provide a healthy dose of calcium.

Consulting with a healthcare provider to tailor a balanced calcium intake plan, integrating both dietary sources and supplements, can help maintain strong bones and mitigate the impact of arthritis during the colder months.

Conclusion

• By understanding the impact of weather on joint health and adopting appropriate strategies, individuals can effectively reduce pain and maintain mobility throughout the colder months.

• Remember, staying warm and active is key to enjoying a comfortable winter season despite arthritis challenges.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article. All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Outlookindia.com does not take any liability for the same. Using of any information provided in the article is solely at the viewers’ discretion.

https://www.outlookindia.com/healthcare-spotlight/dr-samir-bhirud-managing-arthritis-symptoms-during-winter

How Some Sports Injuries Can Cause Arthritis at an Early Age

From cedars-sinai.org

Your high school soccer career ended with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and knee surgery. Now, 20 years later, you’re experiencing increasing pain in that same knee and the doctor diagnoses the problem as post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).

“How can I have arthritis?” you groan. “I’m only 35 years old!”

This kind of case is not unusual. Nearly 4 million Americans are estimated to have post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Many suffered ACL tears or other joint injuries early in life, and despite reconstructive surgery, later developed PTOA.

PTOA is a form of osteoarthritis (OA). OA affects about 33 million American adults and is the most common form of arthritis.

“OA is a huge source of disability and a huge part of our national expenditure for health-related issues,” said orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Spitzer, MD.

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"[Osteoarthritis] is a huge source of disability and a huge part of our national expenditure for health-related issues."

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The cause is a degeneration of the articular cartilage that sits between bones to help them move smoothly against one another.

“Healthy cartilage has a coefficient of friction lower than anything else known to man,” said Spitzer. “It's very smooth and pristine, white and shiny.”

It can become damaged over time, making age a significant risk factor. Almost half of all OA sufferers are over the age of 65.

But an early injury to a joint—such as an ACL tear, meniscal tear or fracture—can lead to the much earlier onset of OA known as PTOA. About 12% of all osteoarthritis is estimated to be post-traumatic. In fact, more than 50% of patients who suffer an early ACL tear are found to have PTOA 20 years after reconstruction.

“Anything that disrupts the pristine interior of the joint—whether it’s a meniscal injury or a ligamentous injury or something more serious, like a broken bone—can change the way the bones glide upon one another,” explained Spitzer. “And that can change the wear patterns on the cartilage and accelerate the degeneration of the cartilage, leading ultimately to arthritis.” 

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/arthritis-at-early-age.html

Tools and Devices to Improve Life and Mobility With Arthritis

From health.usnews.com

Arthritis pain can make everyday tasks difficult to perform, but these assistive tools and devices can help 

Jena Karp, 62, suffers from osteoarthritis in her hand, a degenerative disease that occurs when the protective tissues between joints begin to deteriorate. Even after undergoing finger joint replacement surgery on her thumb and finger joint fusion on her middle finger, the degenerative joint disease obstructs her ability to do daily basic tasks, especially in the morning. Simply picking up and holding everyday objects can pose a challenge.

“I find I have a difficult time getting going in the morning because of stiffness in my fingers. It's hard to hold things because at this time I can't wrap all my fingers around them,” Karp says.

Whether it's osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, people living with arthritis often have difficulty with simple activities of daily living, such as buttoning clothing, cutting food, opening medication bottles or even turning a doorknob.

“Arthritis can cause joints to be stiff or painful, which can make fine motor coordination activities difficult to perform,” says Lauren Wlazelek, Karp’s occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, where Karp had her surgery.

In addition to fine motor tasks, arthritis can affect mobility.

“For someone with osteoarthritis, joint space narrowing in a knee or hip joint can make walking and standing painful and hard to tolerate,” says Dr. Jason Liebowitz, a rheumatologist and assistant professor at Columbia University Medical Center.

Fortunately, there are many arthritis-friendly gadgets and joint protection devices that can make dealing with the condition a little easier. These daily living aids for arthritis help patients compensate and improve their quality of life.

“These tools aid in various ways: Some reduce the amount of force needed to lift or hold objects, others support or stabilize the painful joint, and some change the way the activity is done, such as going hands-free,” says Broca Stern, an occupational therapist, assistant professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and member expert of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Key Takeaways

• Assistive devices and adaptations for arthritis – such as jar openers, button hooks and ergonomic kitchen tools – can reduce strain on joints and make everyday tasks easier.
• Canes, walkers, braces and wheelchairs or scooters can provide support for those with arthritis, allowing them to stay mobile while minimizing pain and fatigue.
• Low-impact exercises, occupational and/or physical therapy and custom-fitted supportive devices can help manage arthritis symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Best Tools to Help With Various Activities If You Have Arthritis

Getting Dressed

For people with arthritis in their hands or wrists, putting on clothes can become a challenge due to the fine motor work involved. Selecting particular types of garments and accessories can make things easier, and there are also special tools to help.

Fasteners

The fine motor coordination needed for buttons and zippers can be tough with arthritis, particularly in the morning, Wlazelek says. Zipper pulls and button hooks can help.

Elastic-waist pants

Avoid zippers all together. Instead opt for pants with an elastic waistband that you can pull on. These are available in many stylish options today.

Pull-on or front-closure bras

These are easier to get on than reaching behind your back to close small hooks.

Sock aids

Liebowitz suggests this gadget for putting socks on, used by putting the sock on a piece that resembles a shoe horn, lowering it to your foot using the ropes on either side, and holding the handles on each end to pull the sock over your foot.

Elastic shoelaces

If tying is difficult, elastic shoelaces are an excellent alternative, Wlazelek suggests.

Slide-in shoes

Bonus if they’re hands-free, or use a long-handled shoehorn to get them on, Stern suggests.

Expert Tip: “Some of my patients have benefited from wearing gloves or braces to sleep to reduce morning hand pain and stiffness that affect dressing and grooming,” Stern says.

Personal Care

It’s hard to feel your best when even doing your hair or putting on makeup is difficult. Plus, safety in the bathroom is a concern for people whose arthritis affects their balance or mobility, making them more prone to falling. Choosing safety aids and specific grooming gadgets can assist in your personal care routine.

Soap and shampoo pump bottles

These may be easier to use than bars and squeeze bottles, but this preference depends on each individual person’s hand pain and function.

Shower safety aids

Make sure you can get in and out safely and keep your balance while washing.

“Showers may need to have a handlebar for holding on, and some patients use a stool in the shower,” Liebowitz says.

Cosmetics tools

Choose makeup brushes with longer, fatter handles. Silicone or foam grips or handles can help with opening and holding small cosmetic containers, Stern suggests.

Blow dryer holder

Forget the costly weekly blowouts.

“Some of my patients with shoulder, elbow, wrist, or finger pain or weakness have benefited from a hands-free blow dryer stand while styling their hair,” Stern says.

Easy-open medication bottles

Requesting easy-open pharmacy bottles can lessen hand pain, as long as you make sure children don’t have access to them.

“Asking for help with cutting pills or dosing them into a daily medication box can also decrease stress on your joints,” Stern says.

Expert Tip: Karp has found running her hands under warm water really helps her hands, so take advantage when in the bathroom.

In the Kitchen

Whether cooking is an activity you enjoy or a task done out of necessity, chances are you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. In fact, you can manage arthritis symptoms with a healthy diet, but cooking can be tough for people with arthritis. Adaptive kitchen devices and small appliances can help you get dinner on the table with less difficulty.

Jar openers

Rubber grippers are multi-purpose and can be used for many tasks, from opening a favourite jar of pasta sauce to opening up a water bottle.

“The No. 1 device used by my patients around the house is a jar opener – a simple rubber gripper or a more sophisticated electric opener,” Stern says.Opening jars puts stress on your thumb joint, which can commonly have osteoarthritis, Wlazelek says.

“This assistive device can help offload the pressure and reduce pain,” Wlazelek says.

Adaptive utensils

Purchase eating and cooking utensils with wider handles, or use foam or silicone tubing to adapt the ones you already have.

“By widening the grip, you lessen the amount of stress load on the joints,” Wlazelek says.

For example, knives with adaptive handles or that use a rocking motion can assist people with a weak grip in chopping food.

Lightweight pots and plates

Replace heavy pots and pans with lighter-weight, two-handled options, Stern says.

In addition, stone and ceramic plates can be swapped out for lighter (and cheap) options, like melamine or Corelle.

Slow cookers

Take shortcuts that allow you to cook smarter, not harder. Slow cookers or one-pot meals minimize the need to clean multiple pots and pans, Stern suggests.

Food processors and mixers

“Many of my patients benefit from using devices such as food processors and electric mixers that allow them to prepare favourite foods while minimizing manual chopping and stirring,” Stern says.

Kitchen seating

When standing, use an anti-fatigue kitchen mat to take some stress off.

“Some of my patients with arthritis have valued additional seating options in the kitchen, such as a rolling stool with a backrest, to reduce pain and fatigue while cooking,” Stern says.

Grabbers

“For someone that has mobility limitations in bigger joints, a reacher is handy to have around to pick up items from the floor or high shelf,” Wlazelek says.

Expert Tip: If you have arthritis in your hands, doing exercises to strengthen them will make kitchen tasks easier. For example, Karp squeezes foam blocks and rubber eggs to strengthen her hands.

At the Office

If you spend a lot of time at your desk, on the phone or in your car, arthritic joints can become stiff; and typing or writing can be hard if you have arthritis in your hands. Here’s how to set up your office space so that it works for you.

Ergonomic set-up

First, make sure you set up your office space with ergonomic tools for arthritis to work more easily and comfortably, Liebowitz suggests.

Adjust your office chair to fix bad posture, making sure your neck, shoulders and arms are aligned properly with your screen, keyboard, mouse and whatever else you’re using at your desk.

Computer adaptations

If you use a laptop, you may benefit from an external keyboard to allow better positioning of the keyboard versus the screen to reduce neck, shoulder, wrist and hand pain, Stern says. Also consider other adaptive computer equipment.

“Some of my patients with finger or thumb pain, from accountants to college students, have also benefited from an adaptive mouse (with a different type of grip) for computer work,” Stern says.

Adaptive writing equipment

Using a wider grip pen is better for your joints. These special pens with grips can decrease symptoms when writing and improve legibility, Wlazelek says.

“One of my patients with thumb pain who was a high school student found an adapted pen especially helpful for note-taking during class,” Stern says.

Speech-to-text

Use advances in technology to your benefit. Speech-to-text is a great alternative to a lot of typing or writing.

Headset or earbuds

If you spend a lot of time on the phone, using a Bluetooth headset instead of holding a phone to the ear is helpful to address neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand pain and weakness, Stern says.

Grippy cell phone case

When you are holding your cell phone, a textured phone case with grips combined with a PopSocket or similar device to hold the phone can be a “life changer,” Stern says.

Steering wheel grips

For people who have a long commute in the car (or even if you’re just heading to the grocery store), easy-grip steering wheel covers, such as silicone, can make holding and turning the wheel less painful.

Expert Tip: “At the office, take frequent, regular rest breaks to change positions, stand up and move,” Wlazelek says. “The human body can often become stiff from sitting in the same position for too long.”

Hobbies and Leisure Activities

Not being able to participate in the things you enjoy can be the hardest part about having a degenerative disease like arthritis. But, there are creative ways to keep doing the activities you’re passionate about.

Reading

“Some of my patients switched to audiobooks to avoid needing to hold a book or e-reader for long periods of time,” Stern says.

If you have hand and wrist pain, you can use a book holder instead.

Gardening

“Tools with wider or longer handles can reduce the amount of force required to hold and squeeze them,” Stern says.

Also, try using a rolling garden stool or cart with a seat to reduce fatigue. Another option is to raise your garden beds to avoid bending or kneeling for long periods of time.

Sports

For sports involving rackets or clubs, such as tennis or golf, you can widen their handles to be larger and softer using athletic tape or foam, which will reduce stress on your joints. You may also be able to get custom grips.

Multipurpose assistive devices

“Several of my patients with hand pain and weakness have found padded, fingerless gloves to be helpful for many recreational activities that require gripping objects,” Stern says.

In addition, supportive hand assistive devices for arthritis such as braces or splints, especially those that support the thumb, may help for activities involving holding a grasp for long periods of time, including:

• Knitting
• Painting
• Playing cards
• Playing musical instruments

Expert Tip: “Taking breaks and pacing yourself is a great way to manage this and be able to continue to perform activities that are meaningful to you,” Wlazelek says.

Mobility

If your arthritis is in your hips, back or lower extremities, getting around can become difficult. Although it’s important to be mobile to stay mobile, you may eventually need a little help from these assistive devices.

Splints and braces

If you need a little extra support while moving around, consider using mobility aids for arthritis patients, such as a knee brace or splint. Your occupational or physical therapist can fit you for one.

“It is extremely important to maintain your mobility and move your joints as often as possible. Some splints can provide support while allowing continued motion,” Wlazelek says.

Canes and walkers

For more support, arthritis mobility solutions – such as canes, crutches or walkers – can reduce pain and fatigue and prevent falls.

“They may need to adapt the handles of these mobility devices with larger or softer grips to reduce hand pain,” Stern suggests.

Some walkers also include a seat to provide an easy resting place when out and about. At home, Stern suggests using an attached walker basket to help you move objects from room to room.

Wheelchairs and scooters

As a last option for people with more severe pain and fatigue, wheelchairs or electric scooters can get them out into the community, reducing isolation.

Expert Tip: Maintaining mobility is important for overall physical and mental health. Mobility allows you to complete daily tasks and to engage in social activities, keeping feelings of loneliness and social isolation at bay. To keep as mobile as possible, or improve your mobility, you’ll benefit from doing arthritis-specific exercises.

Other Tools and Resources

You don’t have to do it alone. Expertise from professionals, personalized gear and technology can allow you to continue living the life you want, even when living with arthritis.

• Mobile apps. Mobile apps that can track pain and energy levels can help you plan when to do tasks and activities.
• Occupational or physical therapy. Consulting with an occupational therapist or a physical therapist can help you choose tools and devices that will best benefit you and customize them to your needs. You can work with your therapist to identify activities that are challenging and find adaptive techniques to decrease symptoms, as well as work on strengthening exercises to alleviate some pain.
• Customized devices. Some equipment – such as splints, braces, grips and orthopedic shoes – can be custom-made especially for you, providing personalized support with all the bespoke bells and whistles. Your occupational therapist can order them for a custom fit.  

Bottom Line

Although arthritis can make daily activities more difficult, tools and devices can help you feel less pain and regain better quality of life.

Even when using these devices, though, it’s important not to push yourself too hard.

“If you have had a busy day with lots of meal preparation – including carrying groceries, chopping vegetables and opening containers – perhaps you should rest to refill your energy cup. Even if you are feeling good, consider setting a timer to be sure not to overdo it,” Wlazelek says.

https://health.usnews.com/senior-care/articles/tools-and-devices-to-improve-life-and-mobility-with-arthritis