6 Great Arthritis-Friendly Tools to Help can Help Your Everyday
For those who develop arthritis, everyday tasks that were once so easy, start to get harder, especially if the arthritis is in the hands, knees or hips. No one plans on getting old or to start suffering from Arthritis.
Arthritis affects millions around the world, often bringing pain, limited mobility and stiffness which makes even simple self-care routines more difficult. Arthritis can also develop in the spine, impacting neck or lower back movement, or shoulders.
During national self-care week, we thought it would be a great opportunity to look at the different ways you can prioritise health, comfort and independence if you or your loved one suffers from arthritis. We wanted to highlight some arthritis-friendly grooming tools that aim to make daily routines more manageable.
As arthritis is so common, the good news is that there are specially designed tools available, created to help people with arthritis with those everyday jobs, like brushing your hair.
Understanding the Challenges of Arthritis when it comes to everyday life
Those with arthritis don’t need to be told about the challenges it can bring. They live with challenges everyday. No one imagines getting older and experiencing problems with tasks they found so easy each and everyday of their life.
It doesn’t matter if a person has osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other types; arthritis can have a real impact on everyday activities. For relatives of someone who suffers from arthritis, they may see their loved one start to have problems with limited grip strength as well as stiffness in the fingers and wrists which can make everyday self care tasks such as brushing hair, trimming nails and brushing teeth more challenging.
As arthritis impacts so many, we are lucky enough in today’s world that thought has been put into a range of adaptive tools that can help to make someone’s life easier. Which can really help individuals with arthritis to start to claim back independence one step at a time.
6 Top Arthritis-Friendly Grooming Tools - Who knew these tools existed!
The following tools have been designed to make grooming more accessible:
Ergonomic Hairbrushes
For those lucky enough to have a healthy head of hair, it can be painful brushing/styling your hair when you have arthritis. Especially when using a regular brush; however, there are now brushes that are designed to be more easy to use for those with arthritis. These brushes are designed with a wider and softer grip handle for a more comfortable grip, which in turn reduces the need for a strong grip or wrist rotation. Some people may benefit from an electric hair brush that detangles hair with minimal arm movement. Both options can be so helpful for those with arthritis. It’s the little things that can make all the difference!
When shopping for an ergonomic hair brush you should look for: Rubberised or padded handles as well as lightweight materials. Electric brushes that glide through hair can also help reduce effort in styling.
Electric Toothbrushes with Large Handles
Another daily activity that people with arthritis may struggle with is brushing their teeth, due to the pain the condition causes. Electric toothbrushes that have a larger, cushioned handle can make gripping easier and reduce the need for lots of wrist movement.
When shopping for an ergonomic hair brush you should look for: electric toothbrushes with non-slip grips and ergonomic designs, such as the Oral-B or Philips Sonicare series.
Long-handled combs and brushes
Individuals who experience shoulder pain or struggle with reach may benefit from long-handled combs and brushes. These allow individuals to easily style their hair without the need to lift their arms too high. Designed to reduce the need to lift your arms above your head makes them a great tool for limited shoulder mobility.
When shopping for long-handled combs and brushes you should look for: Seek options, focusing on lightweight and easy-to-hold designs, such as Dr. Grip or Homecraft Long-Handled Comb.
Adaptive Nail Clippers and Files
Are your toe nails further away than they used to be? Nail trimming can be difficult if you have arthritis, but having the right tools can help a lot. Adaptive nail clippers and files can help reduce the pressure needed for cutting and shaping both finger and toenails. The adaptive clippers often have larger, ergonomic handles that allow for a more comfortable grip.
When shopping for nail clippers and files you should look for: spring-assisted clippers or types with non-slip and extra-wide handles for better control.
Lotion Applicators for Hard-to-Reach Areas
Applying lotion to areas such as the back and legs can be a real challenge for anyone, especially for those with arthritis. Long-handled lotion applicators can sometimes make it easier to reach these areas without the need for stretching.
When shopping for lotion applicators you should look for: designs with soft and textured pads that are sturdy as well as comfortable grips.
Bathing Aids
Tools like extended shower heads, suction grab bars, and long-handled loofah sponges can make the physically demanding task of bathing a little easier. These aids help reduce the need for bending or stretching and offer added security for those who need it.
When shopping for bathing aids you should look for: Anti-slip mats, detachable shower heads with adjustable spray settings, and long-handled sponges are practical additions for any arthritis-friendly bathroom.
Button and Zipper Pullers
Buttoning shirts and zipping jackets can be challenging when you have arthritis. However, with button and zipper pullers, it can be easier to navigate getting dressed, increasing the amount of independence of an individual.
When shopping for these aids you should look for: Brands like Easi-Grip or Homecraft for tools that are both affordable and effective in simplifying daily dressing.
Self-Care Beyond Grooming: Additional Tips and Practices
As we all know, looking after ourselves goes beyond great grooming. There are other ways you can look after your body and your mind. Most of us know that we could look after ourselves better but it’s not always easy. However, investing effort in
looking after yourself well can be hugely beneficial to your mind and body.
- Stretching and Gentle Exercises: Regular and gentle exercises, such as yoga, can help to improve flexibility and reduce joint stiffness. Simple at-home stretches can also relieve tension in the hands, wrists, and shoulders.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Managing chronic pain can take its toll on an individual. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and self-massage can help reduce stress and improve mental resilience.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Using heating pads, warm baths, or cold packs can help to provide relief from arthritis pain and relax sore muscles before or after grooming routines.
Arthritis-friendly grooming tools are key to maintaining independence when it comes to daily routines. By including tools and adaptive aids, individuals with arthritis can make personal care more comfortable and less painful. Alongside using these tools, engaging in gentle exercise, mindfulness practices, and community activities can provide additional support, making self-care a truly holistic experience.
Take some time this week to try some of these tips and tools or explore local wellness events that promote comfort and connection. Small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact on your overall well-being, helping you take care of yourself with ease and confidence. Remember, self-care is a journey, and every step you take makes a difference!
