Having Problems Gripping Your Steering Wheel?

originally published 6/6/08

My fingers are progressively getting worse due to my arthritis.  When this happens, the pain and stiffness make it difficult to perform many tasks, including driving a car.  Gripping the steering wheel can often times cause more pain because you are forcing your fingers to grip tighter than they want to.  When this started happening to me, I purchased a steering wheel cover.  I used it for a while, but it did not help as much as I thought it would. 

I originally purchased a soft suede-type wheel cover.  It looked great in my car, but it had too much give to it when I wrapped my fingers around it.  I was just resigned to the fact that this is how it was going to be.  My hands/fingers will hurt, but I have to drive so deal with it.

After I purchased a new car, I did not use a steering wheel cover for a while.  When I started looking for a wheel cover again, I decided to be more choosy.  Jackpot!  I now have the best steering wheel cover ever!!!  No more pain when gripping the steering wheel!  What a relief! 

So here it is.  I purchased a leather steering wheel cover made by Pilot Automotive.  The official name is “The Genuine Touch” and the model number is SW-101G WK.

The steering wheel thickness instantly went from 3 7/8″ to 5 3/8″.  That’s an increase of 1 1/2″!  To arthritic hands, that little difference feels amazing! 

I absolutely love it and would recommend it to anyone having the same problem.  If this cover is to plain for you, there are plenty of steering wheel covers on the market that offer various designs or logos.  Although, I would recommend a thick leather cover to provide the stiffness needed when maneuvering the wheel.

To purchase a Pilot Automotive steering wheel cover, you can go to the following stores:

• Advance Auto Parts
• AutoBarn
• AutoZone
• CSK Auto
• JC Whitney
• O’Reilly
• PepBoys Auto
• Wal-Mart

If you’re interested in finding a local dealer, checkout Pilot Automotive’s dealer locator page.

You can also search Amazon or Ebay for leather steering wheel covers.

I hope this information helps!

Pain, Pain, Go Away! Come Back Another Day!

originally published 6/3/08

Wow, what a morning! I woke up this morning to my body screaming in pain.   I usually have morning stiffness, but the pain today is just absolutely miserable.  I tried a really hot shower, a cup of hot green tea and even put my jacket on to keep the air off of my arms.  It’s just not working today.  I sat at my kitchen table this morning for about 45 minutes just staring out the window.  Not thinking about anything in particular, just staring.  I have now moved on to coffee which usually gives me that extra push I need to get my day going, but does not have the antioxidant effect of green tea.  At this point, I will do whatever works.

While I wait for the coffee to kick in, I wonder why do we experience more pain on some days, but not others?  For starters, it is a nasty gloomy rainy day here in Lexington, KY.  Upon checking the weather, I realize that the humidity is 97%.  Yikes, no wonder I hurt so bad today. 

Is this really the cause of why some of us with arthritis tend to experience more pain?  There does not appear to be any definite answer here.  There have been studies on the subject, but none to definitely say that the humidity is a pain factor.  Some believe that the barometric pressure contributes as well.  All I know is that I hurt when it rains, never mind the scientific facts about it.  I just hope that one day research will be able to tell us how the changes in the weather and arthritis pain are linked together.  Maybe then, we will have a way to combat the pain.

Take a look at a Johns Hopkins Health Alert regarding weather and arthritis pain.

Sore Hands & Feet..Try a Paraffin Bath

originally published 5/19/08

We all know that when a flare rears it’s ugly head, it can stop us in our tracks.  Here’s a quick tip to fight back.  Try using a paraffin wax bath for your hands and feet.  There are several different models on the market, however, I recommend purchasing one big enough to dip your feet into. 

Here’s how it works.  You add the wax to the bath receptacle and plug it in.  You then, turn it on and wait for the wax to melt.  Once it is melted, you dip your hand or foot in for a few seconds at a time and repeat a few times.  With the wax still on, you place your hand or foot into a plastic bag and wrap with a towel or mitt to retain the heat.  Then, sit back and relax for about 10-15 minutes.  Aftwerward, simply remove the wax.

Hopefully, after trying the paraffin bath, you will be able to accomplish something you had your mind set on for the day.  Keep in mind, that the effect is temporary, but every little bit helps.

On a personal note, I received a parrafin bath kit as a gift a few months ago and absolutely love it!  I wish I had this long ago!

You can find paraffin baths on eBay or Amazon.

Try This Keyboard for Arthritic Fingers

originally published 5/16/08

Over the past year, I have been struggling with typing on a standard computer keyboard.  After only a short period of time (maybe 30 minutes), my fingers would be too painful to keep working.  I tried braces and gloves for my hands, but did not have much success.  After researching the various keyboards on the market, I decided to try the Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000.

I absolutely love it!  The design of the keyboard allows your forearms, hands and fingers to lay naturally.  It takes a couple days to get used to it, but it is absolutely worth it!  I have used it for about six months now with no complaint.  It is just so comfortable.  I can now type until I decide to call it quits.  I will never go back to a standard computer keyboard again!

Of course, we all have those days where nothing seems to help.  Don’t expect a miracle on those days.  Just get your rest and try again the next day.

Are ponytails a problem for your fingers?

originally published 5/6/08

Summer is on it’s way and bringing the warm weather with it.  If you have a young daughter and arthritis in your hands, you know the difficulty of putting a ponytail in her hair.  I have struggled with this for a couple of years now.  Although last summer, I realized that if I face my daughter to assemble the ponytail, instead of doing it from the back of her, it is easier.  It seems simple, but it really works.  Pulling the ponytail together while facing the front of her is easier on your hand.  You don’t have to kink it as much.  Now, I’m not saying it will be perfect by any means.  Mine certainly are not.  However, it is easier.  Try it out on the next warm day.

Birthday Parties & Arthritis Pain

originally published 5/4/08

Planning a birthday party for your son or daughter can be extremely difficult for a parent dealing with arthritis pain.  I found myself in this same situation recently. 

Fortunately, I found a party center that handled everything for me.  With one phone call, the party was set and a deposit placed.  They, mailed me enough party invitations with coordinating envelopes for the soon-to-be birthday party goers.  On the day of the party, the only thing we had to do was just show up!  How great is that?  They provided the party decorations for a themed birthday party, costumes, 2-hours worth of entertainment, fabulous cake, juice, plates, cups, forks, napkins, fantastic treat bags for each child including a photo of each child in their costume to take home, etc.  It was great!  On top of all that, they even wrote down which child brought which present to facilitate the thank you cards, of which they provided!  The only thing I have to do now is write the thank you cards.

For someone that has been in pain for quite a while, the whole experience was fantastic!  I cannot say enough about it.  I couldn’t even thank them enough for everything.  It was such a great feeling to give a birthday party without having to plan it, run around to pick up all of the decorations, supplies, invitations, thank you cards, cake, etc.

If you have arthritis and are struggling with daily activities, why go through the pain in trying to do everything yourself for your child’s next birthday party?  Instead, try party centers that handle all of the details.  It will make your life much easier!  Trust me!

The one we went to was Oogles n Googles.  You may not have one near you, but you may be able to find something similar.  Here’s a search tip: In your favorite search engine, search for “birthday party” in your city, state.  Good luck!