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Devices for RA

corenepettit

Hey everyone! What kind of gadgets or tools you use to help with your RA symptoms. It can be anything that makes things easier. What do you use and does it really help?

pamelastapula Member
I use a Jar Opener by OXO in order to open jars for the first time and if my grands close them. I also use compression gloves much of the time- finger tip less of course for the tablet. Have gone to a cordless vac for what little vacuuming I need to do.
1. corenepettit Community Admin
  These are great suggestions-thank you for sharing! My kids also shut those jars too tight sometimes. Warmly, Corene (team member)
2. Richard Faust Community Admin
  Hi . My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), also uses a special jar opener (I just checked for the brand, but the label is worn off - it might be an OXO). She showed off some of her favorite gadgets, including the opener in this video: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/my-favorite-gadgets. I also know that another of our contributors, , has mentioned fingerless gloves. Glad you found some things that help. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Shrinkmom2024 Member
I use hot compresses at times. Also, red light therapy.
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
  , I am glad you have found some things that help you with RA related pain and stiffness. We have had other community members ask about red light therapy and I have to admit I have no experience with it, so if you ever feel like sharing more about it, please do! I'd love to learn more about it!
  
  Best, Erin, Team Member.
2. Richard Faust Community Admin
  Hi . I have to admit I'm with Erin in having seen questions about red light therapy and some preliminary research that it may help with RA, but not really seeing much about first-person experience. If you ever want to expound on your experience, please feel free to do so. I know this is different, but our contributor Kat is a big fan of her infrared sauna: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/sauna-love. Best, Richard (Team Member)
creativegal Member
After hip replacement, two canes and a walker. The canes are carabineered to each side of my belt. Also a couple of grabbers and a pad on a long handle for applying lotion to my legs. March on!!
1. latoya.juniel Community Admin
  Sounds like the tools you're using are super helpful to you! Thanks so much for sharing! We shall march on! -Latoya (Team Member)
2. Richard Faust Community Admin
  Hi . I love the ingenuity in attaching the canes. Necessity being the mother of invention is no truer than for those with accessibility and disability needs. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Daniel Malito Moderator & Contributor
The FINGLONGER! aka The Get Stuff Stick aka The Grabber. You know it, probably, you've seen it. It is surprisingly dexterous and pliable and even has a magnet built into the end so you can pick up metal things without grabbing them. I've used it to pick up tiny medicine pills before as well so it works great. You can see it below! Give it a shot! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
1. Daniel Malito Moderator & Contributor
  Ha ha I made a back scratcher/lotion applier out of a broken stick of bamboo and an old fork! LOL we do what we can and we are resourceful! Ha ha, keep on keepin' on, DPM
2. Richard Faust Community Admin
  Hi . Yes, doing the whole climbing thing is not highly recommended. I seem to recall some story involving scaling shelves in a grocery store. I happen to be the husband of one of the patient leaders here, Kelly Mack. We joke that she handles IT and I get things off of tall shelves. Best, Richard (Team Member)