Rheumatoid arthritis is one among the common rheumatology diseases. This condition is autoimmune and it influences the synovium of joints causing inflammation that leads to joint damage. It is mainly characterized by inflammation, joint stiffness, and pain; these symptoms can make daily activities difficult. There are special aids, gadgets, and devices that are specifically designed for helping people suffering from this condition. Some of them are dressing aids, walking frames, and special cutlery.
The Need For Daily Living Aids For Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatology arthritis causes the permanent inflammation of certain joints. This makes them swollen and painful, and over time they become deformed or stiff. Apart from this, it also leads to muscle weakness, and as result, creates difficulty in performing daily tasks like holding objects due to reduced strength in fingers. Daily living aids designed for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis compensate for their physical limitations and helps them in accomplishing daily tasks.
Different Types Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Daily Living Aids
Described below are the different equipments included in daily living aids for people with rheumatology arthritis
Reacher
As rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints; it can be difficult to reach high or bend over to reach objects. This causes pain due to the inflammation in joints like the shoulders and hips. People suffering from this condition can use a reacher, which is a stick with a hook or a clamp at the end that can be controlled with a trigger. It can be used for grabbing objects on the floor or above with straining the joints like hips or shoulders.
Doorknob Covers
The inflammation in joints like the wrist due to rheumatoid arthritis can make it difficult to open doors. This is because it is accomplished by a series of actions like holding, twisting, and pulling the doorknob. The purpose of doorknob covers is to make them big so that they can be gripped easier. The alternative option is to replace doorknobs with door handles as they are easier to operate.
Cane
Rheumatoid arthritis can weaken the muscles and cause joint pain; this can create difficulty for walking or getting out of a chair. You must ask your physical therapist about using them properly. For example, you must hold the cane in the hand opposite to the joint that is affected by arthritis.
Some of the other daily living aids for rheumatoid arthritis patients are elastic shoelaces, wide handled spatula, electric jar opener, wide barrelled pen, and dictation software for the computer to minimize keyboard use.
