Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Flares
To open a jar, I usually place it under running warm water and use a towel to open it. During a flare-up, in the mornings, I use hot and cold water therapy for my hands, and for my shoulders and knees, I use an ice pack and hot towel alternately—3 minutes cold and 6 minutes hot.
I have to say that using a warm Wax Bath is one of the most comforting things for painful hands (and feet). The warmth penetrates soothingly and gives real relief. They are not very expensive and may well be on Sale at this time of year😀
I have a round, rubber gripping mat that allows me to use my palm more than my fingers to open jars. Often though I have to ask for assistance to open things like bottles of juice or water. I now ask for assistance before leaving the store - much better than getting back in my car to find that in need of a drink, I simply can’t open the screw top cap!
For areas like my neck and shoulders or knees and elbows I have either a plug in heat pad with a sheepskin cover (around 14” x 12”) that I can wrap around the affected area or a smaller microwaveable pack to use in a similar way. I rarely use cold packs except for swelling after surgery.
I do find Diclofenic Gel - the 12hr version really helps as I can’t take the tablets due to kidney problems.
Hi
. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here) is like you in using the ice after surgery (have you seen the ice machines), but otherwise the heat. Also, I can't remember who suggested it, but someone in the community discussed keeping a pair of plyers handy in the car for gripping or opening something when the fingers just wont work. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
You sound a lot like me! Whenever I need something that requires a lot of strength, I call on my daughter for help. She's on the Varsity Powerlifting team, so I definitely take full advantage of that—but never taking her muscles for granted! (Haha) -Latoya (Team Member)
thanks so much for starting the conversation about ways to help copy with RA flares. Hot and cold water therapy sounds like really helpful ways to help manage those flares! How are you managing otherwise? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) Hi
. Thanks for sharing. Finding tools or work-arounds to help with tasks (that so many find easy) is so essential for those with chronic conditions like RA. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here) showed off her favorite jar opener (and a couple of other gadgets) in this video: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/my-favorite-gadgets. Marie Sophia shares some thoughts on finding helpful gadgets and a few of her own here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/kitchen-tools. Do you have any other helpful gadgets to share? Best, Richard (Team Member) Great video. I need a new jar opener that is adjustable like this, thanks to Kelly for this!
