Innovations help those with arthritis stay active

The season of cleaning, gardening and golfing is upon us, but many with arthritis avoid simple housework and outdoor activities for fear of aggravating their condition. However, these activities can actually help relieve some of the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and there are some innovative products that are available to help keep you out and about. “It is always important for people with arthritis to remain as active as possible,” said Dr. John Klippel, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “Exercise can lessen pain, increase range of movement, reduce fatigue and help them feel better overall.” Physical activity can help ease arthritis symptoms by keeping the muscles around the joints strong and more flexible. It can also help prevent further deterioration of the bone and cartilage. The Arthritis Foundation awards Ease-of-Use commendations to companies that develop solutions to help people cope with arthritis. A list of products from appliances to office products can be found at www.arthritis.org. These items have been specifically designed to allow those with arthritis to work and play without restrictions. Housecleaning is an example where someone with arthritis may benefit from customized tools to make work easier. Oreck offers a vacuum, the Oreck XL, that’s lightweight and features a special handle that helps reduce stress and strain on hands, wrists and elbows. A number of options are available to those wanting to do some gardening. One product that can help is the Bionic Gardening Glove, which helps prevent loss of hand power - allowing people to maintain better grip strength. Fiskars’ PowerGear line of hand pruners and loppers are also helpful because their ergonomic design and special gear mechanism helps increase cutting power. Those heading to the driving range have a few extra items for the golf bag that can help with their arthritis and maybe even their golf game. Golf Pride’s Whisper and Dual Durometer family of grips helps players with arthritis relieve tension and joint pain, while giving them better control over their club. Bionic also offers a golf glove with anatomical relief pads in the palm and fingers that can help with club control. “There are tools that can help make living with arthritis or other chronic conditions much easier,” adds Klippel. “Take advantage of them and get active.”