Struggling with Your Computer Keyboard? Try This Instead!

Trying to type on your computer keyboard can be excruciating with stiff or deformed arthritic hands and fingers.  If you have tried an ergonomic keyboard (such as the one mentioned in our post: Try This Keyboard for Arthritic Fingers) with no success, then consider trying speech recognition software.

Speech recognition software allows you to navigate the internet by talking to your computer.  For example, tazti Speech Recognition Software allows you to perform internet searches, turn on and operate iTunes, log in to and navigate Facebook and MySpace, search bookmarked pages, create your own voice commands, etc.

Watch this short video to see tazti in action:

Right now, tazti is offering its speech recognition software for free for people with arthritis.  That’s right…FREE.  Download tazti Speech Recognition Software, use it and tell Voice Tech Group, Inc. (the creator of tazti) what you think about it.

Share your comments with us too!

Show Your Support With This Arthritis Awareness Travel Mug!

May is almost over and that means the National Arthritis Awareness month is coming to a close soon.  With only a few days left, there is still time to support Arthritis Awareness month.

There are so many ways you can show your support.  In addition to what we have talked about previously, you can show your support for Arthritis Awareness with this travel mug.

The 14 ounce travel mug is primarily royal blue with an “Arthritis Awareness” imprint and awareness ribbon on the front and back side of the mug.   The double-wall insulated mug has a stainless steel lining and a black plastic push on lid with a sliding spill protector.  The exterior of the travel mug features an opaque plastic outer shell and an easy-grip handle. 

From personal experience, I can tell you that hot beverages stay warm for about two hours in this insulated mug.  I can also tell you that the oversized easy grip handle makes it easy for swollen arthritic fingers to hold on to.  I use it everyday and love it! 

This travel mug is an easy way to show your support for Arthritis Awareness.  You can share your arthritis stories with people when they comment on your mug or encourage them to write their Congressman to support the Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act.  You may just find that arthritis affects more people around you than you thought.

Get yours on eBay now! The travel mug is on sale through May 31, 2009.

Want free shipping as well? Just subscribe to the ArthriticJoints.com blog updates or become a fan of our new page on Facebook! Let us know which one you did and we will discount your shipping charges before you pay! It’s that easy!

Check out our other Arthritis Awareness products!

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!

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!

Get Rid of Those Squeeze Bottles – Try These Instead!

Using squeeze bottles for shampoo, conditioner, dish washing liquid, mouthwash, etc., can cause pain and discomfort in arthritic hands, especially when the containers are full.  You may even experience discomfort when picking up large bottles to turn them over and pour out the contents.  Why do that to your hands? 

Instead of exposing your hands to painful squeezing and turning over heavy bottles when your hands are already in pain, try pump dispenser bottles. 

You have two options to convert to the pump bottles.

• Option 1:  Purchase bottles of shampoo, conditioner, dish washing liquid, mouthwash, etc. that are already in a pump dispenser container.
• Option 2:  Purchase an inexpensive pump and bottle.  Then, transfer the liquid into the new container.  You may even be lucky enough to find a pump top to attach to your existing bottle!

Option 1 is easy if you do not have a favorite brand.  Some brands already come in a pump dispenser container, especially if you purchase the larger size.

Option 2 is a little more difficult but well worth the effort.  You may be able to find the pumps and bottles at local beauty supply stores or cosmetic stores.  If you prefer to purchase online, then try:

Sally Beauty Supply:  They have a couple of pump tops and a plastic bottle with a pump.

US Plastic: They offer a few different sizes of pump tops and plastic bottles with pumps.  The more you purchase, the better price you receive!

Amazon offers some pump tops for your existing bottles and offers various products that are already in the pump form.  Try these two categories for pump bottle search results:  Home & Garden, Health & Personal Care.  There is even a pump top to fit 1.5L Listerine mouthwash bottles!

Those options should get you started on converting from those painful squeeze bottles and heavy pour bottles at an inexpensive price.  

Good luck!

Do Medicine Bottles Have You in a Tizzy?

 

If you have any form of arthritis, you know that taking medicine is a must in order to manage your symptoms.  The problem is that the prescription bottles with the safety cap can be extremely difficult to open if you have arthritis in your hands.

Some of you may manage by dealing with the pain of opening it daily.  Others may have someone open the bottle and then transfer the medicine to pill boxes.  Shouldn’t there be an easier way?  Taking our medications should not cause frustration!

Here’s a tip.  Go to your pharmacy and ask for a medicine bottle with an easy-open top.  It is usually the flip top (which used to be standard many years ago).  Just a simple push of the thumb pops it right off.

You will probably be required to sign an authorization form indicating that you understand easy-open tops are not child resistant and that you give permission for the pharmacy not to use the safety cap bottles.  The pharmacy will keep the authorization on file and any future medications should be filled using the prescription bottle style you requested.  How great is that? 

You may be required to renew your authorization annually or every six months, but it is well worth it!

One word of caution:  If you decide to request the easy-open bottles, please make sure you put them in a place where a child does not have access.

 

Do you have a tip you want to share?  Let us know and we will include your first name and city when we mention it!

Do You Have The Right Golf Equipment?

 

Yesterday, in When Was The Last Time You Played Golf, we reviewed some suggestions to keep in mind while playing golf.  Today it is all about the equipment.  Do you have golf equipment that helps to relieve the stress on your arthritic joints?  If you are not sure, do not worry.   Let’s take a look at what you might need.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends using the following items to help minimize the stress on your joints:

• Use a lower compression ball (for example, a 90 instead of a 100) so there is more “give” to the ball when you hit it.
• Use clubs with lightweight graphite shafts to help absorb shock better.
• Use a perimeter-weighted head on the club, also for better shock absorption.
• Build up the grip size on your clubs with athletic tape or a custom grip to help you hold them easier and to reduce stress and pain on your finger joints.
• If you have arthritis in your hands, try wearing wrist braces and gloves on both hands to stabilize your joints.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes or spikeless golf shoes.
• Whether you’re a veteran golfer or a beginner, consult your doctor or physical therapist before hitting the greens. An occupational therapist also can help advise you about any special aids or adaptive tools. A good conditioning program is essential for all golfers, but especially if your joints need extra protection. Proper conditioning can help maintain as much range of motion as possible in the joints and help reduce your chances for injury.

Now that you know what golf products you should be using to keep your arthritis in check, go check your equipment inventory.  Determine which items you may need before hitting the course. 

If you are still not sure which golf items are right for you, then try going to a pro golf shop.  Tell them your concerns or needs and they should be able to help get you started.

It may take you some time to find the right combination of products to help you adapt to playing golf with arthritis, but be patient and keep trying.  The more active we are, the better.

Treat Your Hand Pain With A Little Magic!

Having arthritis in your hands causes them to be very painful and stiff.  One way to remain functional while you experience the pain and stiffness is to keep your hands warm. 

I find that Magic Stretch Gloves are just the trick!  They are not too tight like some arthritic gloves on the market.  The best part is that they keep the heat in your hands and wrists.  It’s like having portable heating pads on your hands! 

You do not have to wear the magic gloves all day to receive the benefit.  Sometimes just an hour or two will do the trick.  They are also inexpensive at $1-$2 per pair…sometimes even cheaper.  At that price, you can buy several pairs just to have in reserve.

A few years ago, I found that if you cut the finger tips off of the gloves, you can do just about anything while wearing them.  You also do not get too overheated from wearing them too long.

Now you may not have to resort to cutting them if you can find the fingerless magic stretch gloves.  Just make sure that it will cover enough of your fingers to give you the relief you need.

The best tip I can give you is to try wearing them at night (with the finger tips cut off).  Your hands, wrists and fingers will feel much better in the morning.

If you are going to give the magic stretch gloves a chance, then by all means get them before they are gone.  Many retailers have them on clearance now.  You can usually find these gloves at Walmart, Target and Amazon in the winter time.  Better hurry!

Do You Fight With Your Toilet Paper Holder?

Changing the toilet paper roll is a relatively easy task and one that we perform often.  However, if you have arthritis in your hands and your arthritis is in full swing, you know how hard it can be.  The spring-loaded roller is absolutely unforgiving to arthritic hands.

So if you dream of not having to put up with this frustration anymore, your day has come.  There are two options to choose from.

Option #1: The one-arm toilet paper holder

The one-arm toilet paper holder allows you to slide the toilet paper roll directly through on one side.  There are no pieces to fumble with!

I love this type of toilet paper holder.  However, the problem I initially see is that this type only attaches to the wall in one place.  So if you currently have the standard toilet paper holder that attaches in two places, then you will have a hole in the wall after you change to the one-arm toilet paper holder.  That can be easily fixed, but just wanted to point that out.

Option #2: The pivot toilet paper holder

The pivot toilet paper holder is another excellent choice.  One side of the roller/rod, that holds the toilet paper, simply lifts up to remove or add your toilet paper roll.  I personally went to Lowe’s today to try it out.  It is very easy…even for arthritic hands! 

The other great feature is that it attaches to the wall in two places just like the standard toilet paper holders.   So, there is no additional work on your part after you install it.

There you have it.  No more springs to fight with.  You have two choices to check out.  How great is that! 

You can find these types of toilet paper holders at Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.  They are available in different finishes and styles to complement your bathroom decor. 

One last note,  the one-arm toilet paper holders seem to be in more abundance.  So, if you’re looking for the pivot-type, you may just want to try Lowes.  They seem to have more of a selection.

I will now be replacing all of my toilet paper holders!

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.