Mar 2023 17
Living with arthritic hands is like being asked to begin a race fifty feet behind the starting line. It often means you have to work harder than the average person for the exact same result.
Your knuckles, fingers, hands, and wrists are needed for nearly every basic routine task throughout your day. Things like getting dressed, holding a cup of coffee, driving a car, or even greeting a friend with a handshake can be more difficult or even painful if you live with arthritis. In fact, according to Arthritis.org, over 54 million people in the USA are fighting the arthritis battle every day and that number is expected to increase 50% over the next 20 years!
And because ClipDifferent is in the market of creating assistive devices to help people of every ability, we thought it might be helpful to put together a list of some of the best arthritis devices and arthritic aids available online. They range from the obvious to the simple to the “holy cow that’s a great idea!”
ClipDifferent Pro
We’re obviously a little biased here, but our beta testers with arthritic hands have raved about how the ClipDifferent Pro has saved them time, hassle, and the embarrassment of asking for help with clipping their fingernails. Use it once and you’ll never go back to the old way of clipping your fingernails (and the ClipDifferent Pro is so durable, you’ll only need one in your lifetime).
Price: Pre-order for $119.
Website: https://clipdifferent.com/product/automatic-fingernail-clipper/
PopSockets
A PopSockets grip is a handy phone accessory that allows individuals to easily text with one hand, snap better photos, mount their phone, and stop phone drops. PopSockets has earned an Ease of Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation for providing products which improve the quality of life for people with arthritis.
Price: $10-$15
Website: https://www.popsockets.com/
Great Grips for Door Knobs
It’s great for young children, arthritis sufferers, people with disabilities, and senior citizens who may have trouble gripping the door handle. This inexpensive alternative can save you hundreds in door-handle replacements.
Price: $12.99
Website: https://www.hdis.com/great-grips-sn3101
Rex Peeler
An efficient and easy to use peeler with a metal frame and a hardened swiveling blade fitted across the jaws at the end. The wide grip makes it comfortable to hold, even for those with arthritis, and the little indents provide the perfect gripping points. Peel for long hours without strain.
Price: $6.99
Website: https://www.amazon.com/Zena-Swiss-11002-Vegetable-Peeler/dp/B002XMEHZ2
Button Hook
The Good Grips Button Hook has a cushioned handle with flexible ribbing that adapts to any grip. Simply hook over button and pull through buttonhole. Good Grips Button Hook features a cushioned grip handle with flexible ribbing.
Price: $7.67
Website: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Grips-Sure-Button-Hook/dp/B0006Z3GYG
Hickies No-Tie Elastic Shoelaces
HICKIES laces are an alternative to regular, tale-as-old-as-time shoelaces. They’re made from flexible rubber called thermoplastic elastomer. The rubber part means they’re moisture-wicking, so you won’t come home with sopping wet laces after a run in the rain. The flexible part means HICKIES can bounce and stretch, just like you do, without losing their form or elasticity. There’s no need to tie them every time you put on and take off your shoes because they’re secured with durable clasps that you won’t have to reconnect every time you wear your sneakers. Just slip them on, slide them off, and get going.
Price: $17.99
Website: https://www.hickies.com/
Super Big Fat Pen
Super Big Fat Pens are easy to hold and great for people with arthritis, hand pain, or restricted mobility. Features Non-Slip Rubber Grip.
Price: 5 Pack for $9.97
Website: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Pens-Arthritis-pack-Black/dp/B00JI6DIAQ
Automatic Can Opener
Unlike most can openers, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener is designed so the blade cuts along the side and not into the top of the can. This minimizes the blades contact with food and prevents splashing or seeping out from the top since the can remains closed until you lift the lid. The result is a mess-free, smooth cut that allows you to remove the top without worrying about sharp edges along the lid. The large ergonomic lever is easy for anyone to use. Operation requires little grip strength, just hold lever down until the blade has made a full rotation around the can
Price: $28.95
Website: https://a.co/fVL2D3y
Clamp-on Tablet & Phone Support
Use your phone or tablet with just one hand. The spring clamp attaches easily to wheelchairs, desks, or counter tops– or mounts conveniently by your bed.
Price: $47.50
Website: https://www.fleximug.com/clamp-on-tablet-support
Security Pole & Curved Grab Bar
The Security pole & curve grab bar makes it easy to stand from a couch, bed, or toilet. It is tension mounted so it can be placed anywhere in the home – no screws or bolts required. The Curve Grab Bar has 4-Handgrips that make it easy to climb to a standing position – and because the grab bar rotates 360 degrees – you can move the grab bar out of the way when not in use. And like all our products, it blends in with your home to offer extra support without intruding on the comforting feeling of your home.
Price: $159.00
Website: https://www.parentgiving.com/shop/security-pole-curved-grab-bar-by-stander- 4436/p/
T-Handle Rocker Easy Cut Knife
The Rocking T Knife is a safe, easy to use unique cutting tool. People with arthritic hands will find this knife requires less strength and dexterity than other knives. The T shape allows the user to apply gentle pressure to the large wooden handle with their whole hand, then simply rock back and forth.
Price: $18.95
Website: https://www.arthritissupplies.com/rocking-t-knife.html
Are there any great arthritic aids or devices we missed? If you have any great product ideas that will help those who have arthritis, please contact us and we’ll update the list!
