Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
So we read about helpful tools for RA, things to help us grasp, turn, pick up, fasten buttons etc. but I have another one.
Some days my right wrist hurts so bad it feels like it's broken. I cannot turn a key in a lock or start my car some mornings. It's hard to get to work when you can't start your car.
A couple tools I have found to help with this are; a front door lock with a key pad instead of a key. I installed one a year ago and I LOVE it. Now I don't have to worry about locking my keys in the house. The keypad deadbolt is so easy and it was pretty easy to install.
The second is a remote car starter. I am having one installed today. I live in a cold climate so they are popular here. They will start your car from a distance (so it can warm up) but they also keep me from having to put pressure on my wrist by cranking the key. I have wanted one for a couple years but now because of the RA, it is becoming more of a necessity than a want.
The third item is a split keyboard at work. It puts my wrist in a better position for typing and since I type most of the day it is a very good tool for keeping my wrist aligned.
Any other suggestions out there?
Some days my right wrist hurts so bad it feels like it's broken. I cannot turn a key in a lock or start my car some mornings. It's hard to get to work when you can't start your car.
A couple tools I have found to help with this are; a front door lock with a key pad instead of a key. I installed one a year ago and I LOVE it. Now I don't have to worry about locking my keys in the house. The keypad deadbolt is so easy and it was pretty easy to install.
The second is a remote car starter. I am having one installed today. I live in a cold climate so they are popular here. They will start your car from a distance (so it can warm up) but they also keep me from having to put pressure on my wrist by cranking the key. I have wanted one for a couple years but now because of the RA, it is becoming more of a necessity than a want.
The third item is a split keyboard at work. It puts my wrist in a better position for typing and since I type most of the day it is a very good tool for keeping my wrist aligned.
Any other suggestions out there?
I recommend pencil "grips" for writing, even with a pen. It's a rubber slide on to add to a pen/cil that has a groove for your finger and thumb. Kids use them in elementary school but it helps to write letters or thank you notes without cramping pain.
Also, consider putting your wrist in a wrist splint all night every night. Use one that has a metal bar across the wrist, not just compression. It keeps your wrist in a natural neutral position so that you start the day with less aches.
If it helps, you might actually be a candidate for carpal tunnel surgery. I had both wrists done and never have that kind of pain anymore. (and it was so severe)
Look forward to reading other people's ideas
Kelxx