Things I Use Everyday for RA

By Tamara Haag

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is challenging, but in dealing with this disease I’ve found some aids that I use (almost) every day that make a big difference in my comfort level.

Comfortable slippers for RA

Mornings are notorious among people with RA. One of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, morning stiffness can make the start of the day incredibly difficult. Keeping my comfy slippers right next to my bed makes stepping out of it a little easier. I have significant swelling and some disfiguration in my feet, requiring all the shock absorption I can get. Even walking to the bathroom in my bedroom in bare feet is painful, so my slippers are indispensable. I put them on first thing in the morning and again as soon as I get home from work. A “creature comfort” for some, slippers are a prerequisite for any level of comfort when I’m at home.

Office chair upgrade with RA

I have a desk job, which might seem ideal for a person with RA. However, I’ve been surprised at how hard it is on my body to sit all day. Over the years I’ve found that a “stability disc” or “air cushion” on my office chair makes a big difference for my hips. It prevents me from sitting in the exact same position all day, and encourages subtle movements in my hips, which helps prevent them from locking up. While doing hip circles during bathroom breaks is still essential to getting through a day without a lot hip pain, my air cushion has become essential. Fabric covers are available, and at one point I had one, but over the years comfort has outweighed self-consciousness.

Can an keyboard improvement manage pain with RAAnother aid that helps me through the work day is my ergonomic keyboard. Raised in the center, it puts one’s hands in a more natural position that decreases the risk of carpal tunnel, a condition those of us with RA are already more susceptible to. Typing on my ergonomic keyboard took a little getting used to, but the comfort it affords made the adjustment period well worth it.Improving wrist pain with splintsWhile my ergonomic keyboard takes some pressure off my wrists while typing, there are still many actions that put strain on my wrists. I have found my wrist splints to be enormously helpful in managing wrist pain and swelling. If I’m in a flare that affects my wrists, I wear them throughout the day. If I’m not in a flare but engaged in an activity that involves my wrists for an extended period of time, such as driving, holding a book, or typing, wearing my splints can prevent a flare in my wrists. In addition, sleeping in my splints decreases wrist pain and inflammation.Why a heated mattress pad helps my RASpeaking of sleep, I absolutely love my heated mattress pad. The gentle heat it creates helps my muscles relax, which decreases the strain tight muscles can put on joints. When I’m in a flare, cranking up the dial provides the comfort of heat to half of the surface area of my body (a heating pad is no match for a heated mattress pad). I take muscle relaxers far less frequently since purchasing my heated mattress pad, making for less groggy mornings and a slightly smaller monthly prescription budget.These are just a few of the aids that help provide some physical comfort and/or support. What are some products that you have found to be helpful? What works for you?

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not found
I have found that a trackball requires much less wrist & finger movement than a mouse and that is what I use most often. Occasionally I switch back to a mouse if my hands become more sore than usual but that doesn't last long and it's back to the TB. I've also found that using a wireless keyboard and mounting it on a thin board with room for the trackball or mouse off to the right lets me hold everything on my lap and provides a much more comfortable position than using it on a desk. The key seems to be to experiment when something becomes too uncomfortable and to look for another way to do whatever it is.
1. Tamara Haag Moderator
 Thanks so much for the tips, Sneed! I'm glad you're in our community and appreciate you sharing what works for you with the rest of us! Best, Tamara
2. npeottawa
 Like SNEED, I also found a trackball on my computer at work very helpful before and after the carpel tunnel surgery. Takes a bit of getting used to, but my hand could remain flat and relaxed. I still use the splints I had for the carpel tunnel if my wrists are bothering me, and I use KTTAPE to splint a trigger finger to the next one, and sometimes to wrap my wrists or around my ankles when they are hurting - it feels comforting to me. I used the arthritis gloves and high compression socks in the beginning but they are too much pressure now. (Just after stocking up on them of course!)
zaismas
Yes! I had my first bunion surgeries at 14 so warm, fluffy socks and comfy slippers that I can use arch supports in, are an absolute must. We have hardwood and flagstone floors = agony in bare feet! Trying to find more fuzzy socks but none have been right yet.
1. Tamara Haag Moderator
 Thank so for sharing, Dalia! I know what you mean about hard floors; I love the look of real tile, but it makes me wince to think about walking on. As you mentioned bunions, I thought you might relate to this article as well: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/im-sexy-bunions/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/im-sexy-bunions/</a>. All the best, Tamara
2. Richard Faust Admin
 Thanks for writing Dalia. Hopefully some community members have some sock ideas for you. The hard floors may be tough on the feet, but they do tend to be less of a tripping hazard than carpet. One of our contributors writes about worrying that feet can get ignored in taking care of RA - kind of out of sight out of mind: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/poor-ignored-feet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/poor-ignored-feet/</a>. Another contributor, who has had RA for many years and some RA damage writes about taking care of them to get them to do what she needs: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/funky-feet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/funky-feet/</a>. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
nutmeg8
Do you have references for where these items can be purchased? Especially the air pillow?
1. Tamara Haag Moderator
 Hi Nutmeg8, I purchased mine online, and you can find one by searching for "balance disc for office chair." There are balance discs that are made for exercise that have lots of nubs on top that can be uncomfortable to sit on, so make sure to select one that is smooth on top and designed for sitting. If you prefer to buy from a store, an internet search may tell you which of your local retailers carry them. Good luck!
vhanson
Finding comfortable shoes for my very wide and painful feet has been such an issue!
1. Tamara Haag Moderator
 Hi Vhanson, I know exactly what you mean! Finding comfortable shoes is incredibly challenging for me as well, and many in our community share that struggle. I've written a few articles about it, including this one: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/boots-made-walkin-arent/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/boots-made-walkin-arent/</a>. When our site asked readers what their favorite shoe brands are, there were some common responses: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/do-you-have-a-favorite-pair-of-shoes/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/do-you-have-a-favorite-pair-of-shoes/</a>. I wish there weren't so many of us dealing with that struggle, but you can rest assured you are not alone. Wishing you all the best, Tamara
nene176818
Stretching & reaching has become an effort. A dish wand is great for dishes, but also cleaning hard to reach places, like the back of the refrigerator. I use a long handle back scratcher for my back, legs, & feet. I set alarms on my phone to remind me to walk or do exercises.
1. Tamara Haag Moderator
 Thanks so much for sharing these suggestions, Nene! All the best, Tamara
2. Richard Faust Admin
 Hi Nene. You mentioning the dish wand and the long handle back scratcher made me think of the long handled scrubber my wife has for the shower. The handle is also bendable. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)