Affordable At-Home Tips for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Tasks of daily living can be difficult to accomplish when you have joint swelling, pain, stiffness, or other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Climbing the stairs, opening a jar, and pulling on your pajama bottoms aren’t the kind of movements you take for granted anymore, especially during an RA flare.
Add in the fatigue that often comes along with RA and it’s no wonder that getting simple things done can seem so hard, says Kristin Malone, an occupational therapist in Lockport, Illinois.
Falling is also a risk with RA. According to a study published in the journal Medical Science Monitor, more than 50 percent of people with RA who enrolled in the study experienced falls. Another study published in Advances in Rheumatology found that a high occurrence of falls for people with RA, especially those who take several medications, are due to drug interactions or side effects. The good news: Simple modifications around your home can make it easier for you to manage if you’re exhausted or in a lot of pain, and help you conserve energy, which is key with RA, Malone says.
Here’s a room-by-room look at RA home modifications and affordable assistive devices that can make life easier and safer with RA.
In the Kitchen
The kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating. Use these smart adaptations designed to make it easier to open cupboards and cans, close containers, lift bags, and maneuver while cooking.
- Pick your pans. Pans with a nonstick surface require less scrubbing to clean. Pans with double handles are easier to lift and move in and out of the oven or on the stove-top.
- Take a seat. Standing at the counter to prep can be tiresome and put unnecessary stress on your joints. Try sitting on a stool while you work in the kitchen.
- Let it drip dry. For cookware that isn’t dishwasher safe, or if you don’t have a dishwasher, use a dish rack and let plates, pots, and pans air-dry instead of drying them with towels. You’ll conserve your energy this way.
- Go electric. Electric can openers can save you from having to “squeeze and turn cans,” Malone says. Opening a can with a handheld device puts a lot of pressure on the thumb joints, which tend to be problematic for people with RA, she says. Creaky Joints, an advocacy organization for people with arthritis, also recommends using a food processor or mandolin for slicing.
- Try roll-out shelves. Consider installing shelves that slide out, so you don’t have to reach far inside cabinets for the items you need. A Lazy Susan is a less expensive alternative that spins items toward you.
- Serve a la carte. A serving cart on wheels can help you bring food to the table or dishes from the table to the dishwasher. Look for a used cart online if new ones are too pricey.
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