Life with psoriatic arthritis can be difficult at times. Joint pain and stiffness can get in the way of performing everyday activities. Something as simple as getting dressed can become a challenge when experiencing a flare-up. Luckily, with the help of these 15 devices, accomplishing daily tasks will be much easier.
1. Jar opener
Opening jars and bottles can be difficult for the average person at times. But if you have joint pain from psoriatic arthritis, it becomes even more challenging. For this, you can try rubber or silicone grippers. A “jar pop” or church key opener to break the vacuum seal are also great options, according to John Indalecio, a hand therapist at Orthopedic One in Columbus, Ohio. “After letting the air into the jar, it’s easy to open — as if you’ve opened it before,” he says. Electric jar openers will make your life much easier by doing the twisting for you without taxing your joints.
2. Phone stand
Finding it difficult to hold your phone? This is where attachments that allow you to hold the phone without gripping or pinching it come in handy. The Bunker Ring phone stand or a PopSocket are good options.
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3. Dressing stick
When getting dressed becomes a challenge, a dressing stick may offer you some assistance. Dressing sticks will help you hold open your pants or stabilize your shoes as you put them on. “A dress zipper tool for reaching zippers up the back can also make it easier to reach or reduce the need for help,” Indalecio says. If you need further assistance reaching your feet, try a “hip kit”.
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4. Long-handled shoehorn and sock aid
Bending over can be an obstacle when you have psoriatic arthritis. These tools will help minimize how much bending you actually have to do when putting on your socks and shoes.
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5. Large-handled tools
When looking for tools (silverware, hairbrushes, gardening tools, etc.), look for ones that have larger handles as opposed to smaller ones. Can’t find a tool with a larger handle? Try foam tubing to build the handles on small-diameter objects to make them easier to hold, Indalecio suggests.
6. Grab bars
On days when you may need extra support, grab bars may help. Try placing them near staircase landings and in the bathroom where slipping may be a concern for you.
7. Hair-dryer stand
The standard hair dryer isn’t designed with a psoriatic arthritis patient in mind. Fortunately, technology blessed us with hands-free dryers, which allow you to sit back and relax while the dryers do all the work. You no longer have to struggle to hold a dryer up.
8. Nonslip counter mat
For those that love to cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, a nonslip counter mat can help you prevent bowls, dishes, etc. from slipping away from you.
9. Food processor
Food processors are a lifesaver for everyone, but especially for psoriatic arthritis patients. Instead of exerting yourself by chopping vegetables, consider investing in a food processor. The good news is you’ll save a ton of time and you can easily throw the parts into the dishwasher to clean when you are done, which will be much easier on your joints.
10. Cross-body bag
Looking for the perfect bag to store your personal items when you head out? Try a cross-body bag. “It centers your spine, distributes the weight, and uses your core muscles so there’s less pressure on small or distal joints,” says Indalecio. The proper way to wear this bag is to sling it over one shoulder and place it on the opposite hip.
11. Rolling cart
Carts don’t just have to be for when you go grocery shopping. If you find it challenging to carry items around your house, try placing them in a rolling cart that you can slide throughout the house until you reach your destination.
12. Ergonomic stool
The Luna standing desk and task stool, has a nonslip “wobble” base that is perfect for pivoting around and shifting positions when you are doing tasks such as meal prep or folding laundry. Even better, you can adjust the height, which makes it perfect for you no matter what height you are. It also promotes natural posture, is much less fatiguing, and is better on your back, according to Indalecio.
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13. Shower seat
Insert water and soap and you have a slippery environment. This can pretty dangerous when your psoriatic arthritis is acting up and you are having difficulty gripping onto something to keep your balance. This is where shower seats come in handy. Want an even easier experience? A long-handled sponge, a liquid soap dispenser and a handheld showerhead will make your shower experience much easier.
14. Stylus
Using a stylus with a thick grip to type on your phone will put less pressure on your joints and allow you to send typo-free messages.
15. Electric toothbrush
On top of providing a better clean than traditional toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes can make your life easier. “They use either vibration or rotary motions to clean teeth without having to scrub,” Indalecio shares. “As with all arthritic conditions, the goal is to use the least amount of grip strength needed to perform the task. Putting less pressure across the small joints of the fingers and hands spares them from stress, preserving soft structures around the joints.”
With the help of these items, you should find your day-to-day life as a psoriatic arthritis patient much easier. On days that are more difficult, remember to give yourself grace. Instead of trying to push through the pain, take frequent rest breaks.
