Empowering Independence: Adaptive Tools for Managing Hand and Upper Limb Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects millions worldwide, bringing with it a host of challenges that can significantly impact daily life (Sayyid, R., Uthman, I., 2015). The effects of arthritis vary widely, ranging from joint pain and stiffness to weakness and limitations in independence.

While arthritis and hand arthritis is currently incurable, there are proactive steps that can be taken to provide a multifaceted approach to minimise progression. Methods such as joint stabilisation exercises and investing in adaptive equipment for the home are highly recommended (Amaral, et al, 2018). By adopting conservative techniques early on, you can manage your symptoms effectively.

In this article, we explore the importance of adaptive tools and arthritis supports that are specifically designed for the hand and upper limb. We we dive into how these tools not only alleviate pain and improve daily functioning but also contribute to maintaining independence and enhancing overall well-being (Kjeken., et al, 2011). Whether you are managing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, another form of arthritis, or even hand weakness, integrating adaptive tools into your home environment could pave the way for a more comfortable and empowered lifestyle. As hand therapists based in Adelaide, we routinely recommend specific arthritic aids and brands to our patients, and we also endorse selected items in our online shop that have been tried and tested for their ergonomic properties.

Understanding Arthritis and its Challenges

Arthritis encompasses a diverse group of conditions characterised by inflammation and stiffness in the joints. The two most common types that specifically affect the hands are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): The gradual breakdown of cartilage and bone with varying phases and effects. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected joint can occur. The extent of joint-related changes is not necessarily linked to the amount of pain experienced.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks the synovium, the membrane lining and fluid surrounding joints. This can result in inflammation, pain, and potential deformity if left untreated.

(Arthritis Australia, 2024)

Understanding the specific symptoms and challenges associated with different types of arthritis is crucial for tailoring effective management strategies. Consulting with a hand therapist will provide you with custom advice tailored to your specific symptoms and needs.

What Does the Evidence Say?

• Pain management: There is evidence suggesting that using assistive technology and ergonomic tools can significantly reduce pain levels in individuals with arthritis. These tools help distribute pressure away from affected joints, easing discomfort during daily activities.

• Joint protection: Research also suggests that adaptive tools, such as jar openers and ergonomic kitchen utensils, can help minimise joint strain and reduce the risk of further damage. By promoting proper joint alignment and reducing repetitive stress, these tools contribute to joint protection strategies.

• Maintaining independence: The use of mobility aids and adaptive equipment enhances independence and functional ability in individuals with arthritis. This includes tools for dressing, grooming, and mobility, which enable individuals to perform daily tasks with greater ease and autonomy.

Recommended Tools for Hand and Upper Limb Arthritis

Kitchen and Dining Aids:

• OXO POP containers and lids: Push button to engage an airtight seal, which doubles as a handle. Using a push mechanism minimises deforming forces that are normally encountered with twisting to open typical container designs.

• Easi-Grip All-Purpose Knife: Adopt a neutral hand and wrist position that reduces force on the utilised joints. These knives are particularly useful for anyone with wrist arthritis as they minimise side-to-side motions, known as radial and ulnar deviation.

• Automatic Bottle/Can/Jar Openers: Specifically designed for individuals with arthritis to maintain independence in the kitchen while minimising joint stress when gripping and twisting tight container lids and jars. The One Touch Twizoff (bottle opener), One Touch Jar Opener, and One Touch Can Opener are products we recommend for their simplicity of use and minimal to no load on the small joints of the hand.

• Manual Jar, Can and bottle Openers: These may be more practical and lightweight than automatic versions above. With an array of options available, we particularly like the strap wrench style or Boa Constrictor and also the Oxo version. The can openers that we endorse are the Dext Ring Pull opener and the smaller Canpull opener.

• Ergonomic Large Handle Peelers: Reduce strain on smaller joints in the fingers and thumb by gripping a larger handle. We recommend the Oxo brand as the handles are thick and require less tight gripping.

• Electric Salt and Pepper Grinders: These grinders are one-button operated, eliminating the need for gripping and twisting.

• Large Grip Cutlery: Built-up handles allow for a firmer hold and enable safer grip positions, which may reduce pain during mealtimes.

Dressing Aids:

• Button Aid and Zip Hook: Wide ergonomic handle to allow for easier grasping of buttons and zips.

• Thick Multi-Use Grip: By increasing the diameter of your gripping surface, you can reduce the stress on smaller joints such as those in your fingers and thumbs. This lightweight solution can be used to build up the handle of household tools like toothbrushes, nail files, and shavers.

• Shoehorn: Reduces pressure on your grip by using a long handle to slide into a shoe, minimising twisting and pushing.

• Grooming Aids: An electric shaver to reduce repetitive load on the hands as it will provide a wider grasp. A good quality long handled toe nail cutter or  a one handed nail clipper might also help.

Gardening Aids:

Make gardening enjoyable again with ergonomic, easy-grip handles. We tend to prefer longer levers, silicone handles over wooden ones, and sharp, high-quality brands. We recommend the Easi-Grip range of tools like these. The Easi-Grip range tend to reduce strain on the wrist and small finger joints.

Other Clever Aids and Considerations:

• Keys: Increase the surface area of your keys for easier leverage. A key turner device or rigid keyring that attaches directly to keys can help create improved hand leverage. The Keywing Key Turner is one option to attach to individual keys:

  

• Universal Turner: Struggle to turn handles or knobs around the home? This device can fit onto taps, petrol caps, knobs, and handles to reduce the pressure on your wrist and fingers when twisting.

• Ergonomic Pens: Keep writing without pain with an ergonomic pen. A larger handled pen reduces load on the fingers and basal thumb joint, while a pen with good weight distribution and a freely moving ball improves control and accuracy.

Tips for Choosing the Right Adaptive Tools

Understanding which joint or joints are causing pain can help determine which adaptive arthritis aid might be best. For example, painful small joints of the fingers with limited grip capacity might benefit from wider handles, while fatigue in joints might benefit from silicone handles or sharp tools to reduce load.

There are thousands of arthritis supports available, some of which are of good quality and others that are not.  A reputable brand or therapist-endorsed product is usually best. Our online store only sells products we truly believe in.

Each aid should ideally be individualised, and if you need extra help, an occupational therapist is a good place to start. Hand therapists such as any of our team also have intricate knowledge to match suitable aids to specific problems and may be able to customise a solution.