10 TOOLS TO EASE JOINT PAIN

Are your joints so sore you can't put on clothes, stand in the shower or open doors or kitchen appliances? Arthritis can rob you of the most basic everyday functions. But you don't have to let the pain steal your freedom. We have gathered 10 handy tools and made it easy for you to find them...

1. SOCK AID: Place a sock over the device, slip your foot in the now open sock. Then pull on the cords attached to either side of the trough to slide the sock onto your foot without pain. One to try: Deluxe Sock Aid, Kat Health Products

2. Zipper and Button Puller: An open hook and a closed wire loop, both attached to a large pull handle. One to try: Folding Zipper and Button Puller, Wellhaven

3. JAR OPENER: A device to help open jars. There are many devices that pop jar tops, from a round rubber no-slip disk to an electric opener. One to try: Jar Opener, Good Grips

4. REACH EXTENDER: This simple tool is nothing more than a long aluminum pole with a trigger handle at one end that controls a set of claws on the other end. One to try: PikStikPro reacher, PikStik

5. BATH/SHOWER BENCH: A bench-like chair has suction-cup tips on two legs to anchor it in your tub to prevent slipping. One to try: Transfer Bench, Medline

6. ELEVATED TOILET SEAT: A toilet seat that clamps on to your regular seat and raises it by about 6 inches, making it easier on your joints. One to try: Locking Raised Toilet Seats, Medline

7. DOORKNOB ADAPTER: 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. One to try: Leveron Handle Door Knob Adapters, Leveron

8. CAR SLIDE: A swivel seat much like a Lazy Susan. THe seat makes it easier to swing legs in our out of a car. It also includes a handle bar that offers something to lean on or push off from. One to try: Automobility Solution, The Wright Stuff

9. PILL CAP OPENER: This device makes it easier to push down and twist off the bottle cap. It also works for medicine bottles and other twist-off bottle tops. A simpler alternative: ask your pharmacist for easy-to-open bottles, but be sure to keep them out of children's reach. One to try: Pill Cap Openers, Aids for Arthritis

10. EASY-TO-GRIP UTENSILS: Utensils with rubber-like handles. Fattened cutlery handles are more comfortable and easier to hold. One to try: Utensils Set, Good Grips

Talk to your doctor about "handy helpers" to get through the day. They may even be able to write you a prescription; some insurance companies cover them.

source: www.lifescript.com