Are Your Fingers Too Swollen To Hold Hands?
When your arthritic fingers swell, it is often too painful to hold hands with someone else. So, what do you do when you need to hold a child’s hand when crossing the street or when in a busy, crowded place? Or what do you do when your loved one wants to hold your hand as a display of affection?
It really just comes down to what you are comfortable with. Here are some suggestions.
Holding a Child’s Hand
If you need to hold your child’s (grandchild, nephew, niece, etc.) hand when your hands are in a great deal of pain, then ask the child to hold your arm just above the wrist. Or have the child hold a piece of your clothing, jacket or purse. If you are pushing a cart or stroller, you can even have the child hold that. Praise them when they do it and let them know that they must hold on until you tell them that it is okay to let go. Once the child (or children) get into the habit of holding something other than your hand, it will be second nature for them.
Of course, if your hands do not hurt, go ahead and hold their hands to let them know that you still enjoy it. Children, often times, do not understand why adults do certain things and they may assume you do not love them anymore. Just be honest and let them know that you would love to hold their hands all day long, but some days it is just too painful. It may take some time, but they will understand. Just shower them with love in other ways. Hugs and kisses work great!
Holding a Loved-One’s Hand
It is common for your spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend to show their affection for you by holding your hand. So, if your loved one wants to hold your hand, be honest about how it affects you. Your loved one should understand. He/she certainly does not want to inflict pain on you. After all, the intent was to show their affection for you.
Once you share your concern, it is the perfect time to think of another way to show your mutual affection for each other. Maybe an arm around the shoulder or around the back. If you are sitting, maybe place your hand lightly on top of his. Hugs and kisses work great too!
Good luck!
Arthritic Fingers Turn Pages Easily With This!
Many people with arthritis in their fingers struggle to read books, magazines or even newspapers. Arthritic fingers just don’t seem to cooperate. They may be painful, distorted or just not coordinated enough to turn that little piece of paper.
Instead of giving up, try using a rubber finger tip to easily turn the pages. It is an inexpensive solution and it works wonders! The typical cost for about a dozen rubber finger tips is approximately $2.00.
For your initial purchase of rubber finger tips, you may want to go to your local office supply store rather than purchasing online. If you go to an office supply store, such as Office Depot, you can try them on to determine which size you need. Once you know your size, then you may want to purchase them online for future purchases to save time and money on gas.
Rubber finger tips are also great for anyone that works with a lot of paperwork throughout the day. You may just want to purchase some for home and work!
Arthritis Sufferers Can Now Floss With Ease!
Let’s face it, trying to wrap traditional floss around your swollen, achy fingers is painfully difficult. Not to mention trying to maneuver the floss around your teeth.
No worries now! Johnson & Johnson has a great dental flossing tool! It is the Reach Access Flosser. It has a handle similar to a toothbrush and has a flossing head. Simply hold the flosser just like you would your toothbrush and slide in between teeth. The flossing heads are disposable and should be changed daily.
It is so easy! No more excuses to not floss your teeth. Give it a try! You can find the Reach Access Flosser and head refills on Amazon or in your local grocery or drugstores.
I like this tool so much that I’m sending a huge Thank You to Johnson & Johnson!
Try This Mouse for Stiff Hands and Fingers!
If you are plagued with stiff hands and fingers, but still must work on your computer, then try to find computer accessories that are better suited for you. In Try This Keyboard for Arthritic Fingers, we recommended the Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000
If your current mouse causes too much pain, then try a mouse that is more ergonomically designed. It should fit your hand in a natural fashion rather than contorting your hand to fit to the mouse. One such mouse is the Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000.
This mouse fits your hand like a glove and leaves your hand in a comfortable position. It is very easy for arthritic fingers to operate as well. It is the only mouse I found that is easy on arthritic hands and causes less strain or stiffness after use.
In addition to the comfortable design, the Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 features a magnifier, 4-way scrolling, reassignable buttons, etc. The wireless feature gives you the freedom to put your mouse where you want.
If you are not sure which mouse is right for you, then go to a store to physically try out different models. Many stores have the mice on display for you. Take advantage of that and see which one is right for you. Don’t forget to look for ergonomic models.
Good luck!
Problem with Shoe Laces? Not Anymore!
Arthritic fingers tend to make it difficult to tie shoe laces. Especially, when you have to keep tying them over and over again. So, in order to help you with your preparation for the Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Walk (hint hint), I recommend you try some new laces or go lace free.
If you want to keep your current shoes, then just upgrade your shoe laces to the elastic curly shoe laces. They are usually advertised for children who don’t know how to tie their shoes yet, but they are great for adults too! You just run them through your shoes just like you would regular laces, but you only have to do that once. After that, you’re finished. The laces, which you do not tie, allow you to slip your shoe on and off.
On the other hand, if you are in the market for new sneakers, look for the kind without laces. Skechers has various models to choose from. I have the Women’s Premium Premix in the wide width. I absolutely love it! The bottom of the shoe has a wider base which helps to prevent you from twisting your foot. I buy a couple of pairs at a time, so I always have a backup pair. The best thing is that I have not had to tie any shoe laces in two years!
Take a look at what Skechers has to offer. If you’re not quite ready to invest in a new athletic shoe, then try the curly laces. Either way, you’re bound to find something that helps.
Having Problems Gripping Your Steering Wheel?
January 31, 2009 by Michelle
Filed under Pain & Stiffness, Products, Tips
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:
If you’re interested in finding a local dealer, checkout Pilot Automotive’s dealer locator page.
You can also search Amazon
I hope this information helps!
Try This Keyboard for Arthritic Fingers
January 31, 2009 by Michelle
Filed under Pain & Stiffness, Products, Tips
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?
January 31, 2009 by Michelle
Filed under Pain & Stiffness, Tips
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.