Thursday, August 7, 2014

10 Tools to Ease Joint Pain

6. Elevated Toilet Seat
What it is: A toilet seat that clamps on to your regular seat (so it won't shift during use) and raises it by about 6 inches. The raised seat makes it easier to sit down without straining joints.

Look for one with arms (handles) that you can grab for support. The extra feature raises the price by about $10 or so, but adds safety and ease.

How it works: "The ideal [for comfort and movement] is a 90-degree angle at your hips and knees," says Doreen Stiskal, P.T., Ph.D., chairwoman of the department of physical therapy at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

Why it helps: Many toilets are low, making it difficult for some people to sit down on one – or get back up. A higher seat saves weakened, painful thigh muscles, hips and knees, according to Stiskal.

One to try: Medline Locking Raised Toilet Seat with Arms ^[1], from $40, Amazon

7. Doorknob Adapter (from about $19 for a package of 2)
What it is: Picture a doughnut with a long handle that fits over standard doorknobs.

How it works: The handle allows you to open a door in various ways, by pushing on the long handle with your elbow or the side of your hand, or by pulling up with the back of your hand.

Door openers for cars are also available.

Why it helps: If you have limited movement in your wrist or hand, this device lets you open doors without having to twist or turn a knob.

One to try: Doorknob Extender Package of 2 ^[2], from $19, Arthritis Supplies.com