Simple Solutions to Struggles of Arthritis Patients

In America today, there are 19 million people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis who report everyday activity restraints or limits due to their condition. The daily living activities that seem to be a basic part of one’s routine take more time and cause frustration in our aging population diagnosed with arthritis. Even though the daily living activities of those with arthritis have become a bigger challenge, there are adjustments that can be made to address some of the difficulties and valuable resources that can be utilized.


The first problem that one with arthritis may run into is the new difficulty found in navigating one’s own home. Activities like climbing stairs now look as impossible as climbing a mountain. This can be especially tough to handle when you must use stairs routinely for bathroom visits, laundry, or for going to bed. Stairs become more approachable with the use of stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, and stair-climbing wheelchairs.


For people living with arthritis, the pain caused by trying to maintain healthy grooming and hygiene habits could be great enough to keep them out of the bathroom. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes for this problem. Transfer benches or shower chairs are an inexpensive way to ease getting in and out of the bathtub/shower and with much less hassle than having your bathtub/shower modified. Something as simple as an electric toothbrush makes dental hygiene much easier, while also alleviating pain in the wrists, hands, and elbows that is often associated with regular tooth brushing. Raised toilet seats allow additional height which helps people suffering from arthritis to stand easier when finished using the toilet. Hair brushing, shaving, and even dressing oneself become more complicated tasks, but can be helped with the use of elbow and wrist supports. Many suffering from arthritis will turn to Velcro and elastic to replace the more difficult shoelaces and buttons.


Think of the number of times you grip or grab something with your hand in a day. Every time presents a challenging situation to someone with arthritis. Door handles, faucets, eating utensils, telephones, and pencils are just a few items used daily that will become increasingly difficult to use. For people with arthritis, items with traction are easier items to use and grips can be added to just about everything in the house for added support. Bigger pens and pencils will help in the process of writing. Items that require tightening also become a challenge, but can be made easy again with gas cap wrenches and jar openers.


Perhaps one of the most valuable resources available to an arthritis patient is the Arthritis Self-Management Tool Kit. They are often available at your local Regional Arthritis Center free of charge. These kits include a Let’s Exercise! Guide Book with a two CD accompanying set, a Time for Healing relaxation music CD, and The Arthritis Helpbook by Dr. Kate Lorig and Dr. James Fries. The Let’s Exercise set offers varying intensities of strengthening and endurance exercises, while The Arthritis Helpbook offers an abundance of general arthritis information, as well as insightful self-help strategies. Also included is a user-friendly action plan manual. This tool kit is ideal for individuals with limited mobility who cannot make it out of their house or to exercise classes offered in the community.


An arthritis diagnosis is a hurdle, but does not have to be a complete road block. By implementing the above mechanisms, strategies, and resources for everyday living, one can return to a more fulfilling and active lifestyle.



Source:

What is arthritis? (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2009, from The Arthritis Challenge Web Based Training Site: http://www.dhpe.org/arthritis/websites/basics.htm.