Technology and RA
Living with rheumatoid arthritis means understanding how to be adaptable in every definition of the word. It means needing to be flexible and creative, thinking on the fly, and finding ways to reduce movement at a moment's notice. It’s a gigantic challenge, not only physically but mentally too. As such, any tools that can help with adaptability and accommodations are incredible and should be both shouted from the mountain tops and shared within the RA community.
I rely on technology daily
Beyond heating pads and ice packs, topical creams and gels, braces, splints, and wraps, I have found technology to be the most beneficial asset in supporting me through RA struggles. An RA flare decreases my mobility, increases my pain, challenges my mental health, and debilitates my physical health, all in one swoop. Anything that can help me navigate that feels like a massive win in my book.
Let me explain - I think anything that can reduce the burden on my body, reduce the need for or the frequency of movement, and that can minimize my need to exert extra, unnecessary energy is a total blessing. And for me, as a toddler mom who works full-time, I've found some incredible ways that technology has supported my RA journey.
Three devices that have helped my RA
1. Home assistant devices
First, let's talk about Alexa, or any voice-activated home support. We have had Alexa devices throughout our house for a few years now and everything she can do is one less thing I have to do. Some of the commands she responds to are simple - like setting timers, giving the forecast, and playing music. But one of the most helpful things she does is turning on and off the lights. To do this, you have to also have smart bulbs and they have to be synced with your home system, but it's not that large of a financial investment and not having to get up to turn on or off the lights is a huge win in my book.
2. Easily synced products
The rest of my life lives and dies by products available at the Apple Store. Why? Because they are lightweight, sleek, efficient, not likely to break or malfunction, and they connect everything else I own. My laptop, iPad, and phone all share the same apps, settings, and functions, so switching between them is seamless. This means when my hands struggle to continue holding my phone or my iPad, I can easily switch to my computer, even if I just want to scroll.
3. Wireless, smart headphones
Another thing that helps immensely? My AirPods. Wireless, lightweight headphones, which not only allow me the flexibility of movement, but I can answer my phone or send a message using just the small bud in my ear - how cool is that?
After living with RA for so long, I recognize that the adaptability and accessibility of technology massively helps to improve my RA accommodations - both at home and when I'm out and about. I also understand the ability to afford some of this technology is a huge financial privilege, so one tool won't solve everyone's challenges. Still, you will probably be able to find some ways in which you can leverage the technology you already own to better support your RA needs.
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