Product Advice for Arthritis-Friendly Living

Finding products that make your daily life easier can be a game-changer. Here’s my advice for picking out the right ones for your needs.

Having lived with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) since childhood, people in my life recognize me as a pro regarding all things arthritis. And one of the most common things people ask me for is product recommendations. Of course, that’s not entirely a surprise, considering I took ergonomics courses in college.

So many adaptive tools and ergonomic products are on the market nowadays (which is fantastic!). All one has to do is a simple Google search to find millions of tools and plenty of articles full of product recommendations. Not to mention, we have gadgets for just about everything.

Surprisingly, I don’t have a list of products I recommend for every person with PsA. Many people with PsA have unique needs and preferences. However, I have made some unusual decisions regarding materials, tools, and even solutions through the years.

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Helpful products in plain sight

Sometimes, people think you need to shop specifically for ergonomic items. And while that can be a helpful start, it’s not the end-all and be-all. You’d be surprised how many items on store shelves were initially designed for people with disabilities.

Do you remember when almost everyone had to have a Snuggie? They were invented for people in wheelchairs! How about trendy OXO products? Those kitchen items were designed specifically for people with arthritis. And did you know Pellegrino Turri originally designed the typewriter for a blind friend who struggled to write by hand? Honorable mentions go to the Clapper lights and the electric toothbrush.

So, I find it unsurprising that I don’t own many “special” items. Instead, I consider the item and how it solves my problem. Being picky with my materials is one way to ensure my items work best for me. I’ve also learned to consider the quality of any tool or gadget I’m getting: a simple, well-made item is often more effective than fancy concepts. Sometimes, reframing the issue may lead to a different solution (or solutions) than you anticipated!

Choose materials with care

I talk about materials a lot regarding life with arthritis, especially shoes. I preach that rubber soles can be heavy and tiring, foam soles are shock absorbent, and cork is an excellent natural alternative for soft insoles. But it’s important to consider different materials when looking at all products, not just shoes.

My mother always told me that buying products made of high quality materials would mean I’d have them for years. But those classic materials, like wood, steel, cast iron, rubber, and others, can be hefty! While I have items in these materials (I love my Dutch oven and cast-iron skillets), I’ve also started opting for different materials like silicone, sometimes even plastics. Plastic gardening tools, ceramic pans and knives, and silicone scrubbers make daily tasks much more manageable.

Adding softer materials to rigid products can make them easier to manage. For example, you can buy foam sleeves online to add to your favorite tool handles. Silicone is helpful for cookware, especially handle covers and baking sheet liners. There are even silicone liners for your slow cooker, keeping the heavy porcelain pot nice and clean. It’s great when you can make something you already own a little easier to use!

Always go for better quality

Gadgets seem cool and can make our lives easier, but sometimes, they can be a headache if they aren’t designed or constructed properly.

Years ago, I received a vegetable chopper, where you push the vegetable down on a grate. It was such a thoughtful gift because I love cooking, but I had to get rid of it after a few tries. The grates had no way of being sharpened, and cutting a whole vegetable with dull blades takes a lot of force!

While I could’ve invested in a mandolin or another tool, I’ve been doing well with a high quality, sharp knife with a good handle. And if I need a lot of cut-up produce for a recipe, I usually buy it pre-chopped (fresh or frozen).

But I can’t knock gadgets completely! Some change our lives for the better because they are so effective. Roomba has been a game-changer for cleaning for many of us. Smart devices can read aloud, turn off lights, and even unlock doors. Voice-to-text software empowers students, employees, and even casual internet surfers. If you do some homework and ensure the item is quality, almost anything is worth a try.

See if there’s a different approach

Someone recently asked me for help because they were having difficulty using their doorknob. They showed me some options for grips to put on the knob that would make it easier to grasp.

Instead, I recommended getting a lever-style door handle (which I have all over my house). The lever-style handle worked because they could open the door with a forearm, closed fist, or elbow. But either item would’ve been a fine solution. The grip might’ve been preferred, such as in the case of a renter being unable to change the knob.

Another example is that I find it extremely difficult to put on jewelry. I have some arthritis-friendly jewelry with lobster claws and magnetic clasps. But those are still too hard to put on in the morning when my hands are sore and tired from PsA morning stiffness.

I find it much easier to wear bracelets with elastics or oversized necklaces that don’t require undoing the clasp. But both are fantastic solutions, and I use them for different purposes.

Ergonomic options and beyond

Of course, I’m not knocking ergonomic products or arthritis-specific products. They can help a lot! Shower stools, cups with double handles, key turner aids, buttoning tools, and many more items have helped millions. Sometimes, they’re the obvious and correct choice. But they aren’t the only option! Other options may be more accessible financially or just generally fit in better with your life.

My biggest takeaway is to get creative. Consider your needs and what’s already comfortable (I know — sometimes it’s absolutely nothing). Do some homework about different products and how people use them before purchasing. And try to find more than one way to solve your problem. Products can positively affect our lives, and choosing the right ones is a game-changer!