Best products for arthritis to make everyday tasks a bit easier

According to Dr. Nora Singer, director of rheumatology at the MetroHealth System, one of the most common areas of degeneration in arthritis is the spot where the thumb meets the wrist at the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. This joint breakdown can cause significant pain. Luckily, wearing a brace that specifically supports the CMC joint can help alleviate some of your discomfort. 

Available with either a plastic or aluminum insert, the Velpeau Thumb Stabilizer is specifically designed to address pain caused by arthritis. The brace features an octopus-shaped splint design that helps stabilize the first CMC joint, while the sponge fill-in protector provides comfort and flexibility in the wrist. 

One Amazon reviewer says, "I have arthritis in my thumb and have tried many braces that are too big and too rigid, which made my pain worse instead of better. Finally, this brace works for me! The small size actually fits my 5 1/2-inch wrist without needing to wrap the velcro strap multiple times around my wrist! The shaped splint inside fits the contour of my hand and provides support without feeling like a straight, stiff rod is crammed against my joints. What a relief. I’m so glad I found this and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable thumb brace."

Keep in mind that while this brace can be a helpful tool, Singer recommends working with an occupational therapist (OT) for a personalized approach. As part of your treatment plan, an OT may recommend having a custom brace made. 

Ease of Use Certified by the Arthritis Foundation, IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves are one of the best products for arthritis of the hands. Tuttle explains that compression gloves increase circulation, which can help reduce pain. These soft, breathable gloves feature an open fingertip design, allowing you to feel and grip without issue. 

Besides being comfortable for all-day wear, these gloves can be worn while sleeping, helping to minimize pain and stiffness in the morning. This is key, as your joints can stiffen after hours of inactivity, making the morning often one of the most painful and challenging times to perform simple tasks. 

While there are mixed reviews on fit, the gloves are overall well-received, with more than 2,555, 5-star reviews on Amazon. One reviewer specifically calls out the gloves' nighttime comfort, saying, "I have arthritis in my hand and sustained an injury that takes a long time to heal. I needed compression support, especially at night. I couldn’t find support gloves that were small enough and supportive until I discovered these. I can get a good night's sleep without my swollen, throbbing hand waking me up, thanks to these compression support gloves."

Inga Juzysta, an in-home provider and owner of Always Best Care Senior Services, is a big fan of rubber-coated gardening gloves for adding extra grip strength — even when you're not tending to your plants. She notes that these gloves can provide traction for opening jars, holding silverware, curling your hair, applying cosmetics and, of course, gardening. 

Cooljob Rubber-Coated Gardening Gloves come in three sizes and a variety of colors. Made from breathable polyester, durable latex and reinforced fingertips, they're both comfortable and protective. Just note that because they contain latex, they aren't suitable if you have a latex allergy.

These gloves have over 2,600, 5-star reviews online, with customers praising the gloves for their grip, ease of cleaning and overall value. One reviewer calls them a "great all-purpose" glove, adding, "We use them for gardening and any other time we need to protect our hands. My husband has arthritis in his hands, and these help him open things like jars." 

Juzysta notes that even seemingly simple things, like gripping a fork or a toothbrush, can become immensely difficult when you have arthritis of the hands. "Inflamed or swollen joints can make tasks that were once second nature become time-consuming or nearly impossible without help," she says, adding, "These little things add up and can lead to frustration or even depression when someone feels like they’re losing their independence."

One tool that Juzysta says is surprisingly helpful? Foam hair rollers. Simply slip a roller onto the ends of silverware, toothbrushes or other smaller, hard-to-hold items for better grip. And you don't need anything fancy. A simple, inexpensive set, like Annie Small Foam Hair Rollers, will do the trick. 

If you have arthritis pain in your lower body, walking poles can be a useful tool for getting out and about. "Walking poles are designed to aid balance and take pressure off of your back and lower joints while you walk, making walking less painful for those with arthritis. They can also help prevent falls and keep patients walking to maintain fitness, strength and mobility" says Tuttle.

Urban Poling Activator Walking Poles are Ease of Use Certified by the Arthritis Foundation and are height-adjustable from 4'2" to 6' (127 to 182 cm). The ergonomic handle is designed to be easier on your wrists, while the secure button-locking system prevents the poles from collapsing as you walk. The poles also come with wide-base bell tips for a strong grip on uneven terrain, including snow, sand and gravel.

As long as you're not experiencing an acute back pain flare-up, Singer recommends at-home core strengthening exercises such as chair yoga, pilates or mat yoga. "You can absolutely still strengthen your core when you have arthritis," she says. In fact — assuming you have the green light from your care team — she explains that improving core strength can help maintain mobility in other areas that are affected by arthritis and may prevent worsening complications. "The more core strength you have, the better you can preserve back alignment, so prevention is key," says Singer. 

Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat provides a textured grip and 10 mm of cushioning to keep you stable and comfortable as you move. While extra-thick yoga mats aren't ideal for balance poses, they're a good option for those with knee pain or stiff joints. In addition to being supportive, this mat is odor-resistant and easy to clean. Plus, it comes with an adjustable strap for compact storage. 

Whether you opt for this one or another of our tester-approved yoga mats, Singer stresses the importance of talking with a physical or occupational therapist before starting a new exercise or stretching routine at home.

As arthritis progresses or flares, gripping and moving around heavy plates and bowls can become increasingly challenging — and can even lead to frustrating spills and breakage. To help, Juzysta recommends switching over to nonbreakable, lightweight servingware. Not only are lighter dishes physically easier to move around, but they're also less distressing (and messy) in the event of an accidental drop or knockover.

Sweven Wheat Straw Dinnerware is lightweight, unbreakable and dishwasher-safe. It's also available in five colors and three set sizes, meaning there's an option to suit virtually any household size and aesthetic. The set is made from wheat straw and food-grade plastic and is safe to put in the microwave. 

One 5-star reviewer highlights the pros and cons of this set, saying, "The bowls are deep and large enough for a hearty stew but still easy to hold. The plates have just the right amount of curve at the edges. The overall appearance is pleasing and not cheap-looking. They do not stain. The cups are balanced nicely for easy holding. They all still look great after lots of trips to the dishwasher. The only caution is that the plates will score if a sharp knife is used to cut meat, so use a cutting board for that before placing the meat on the plate. Other than that caution, these are ideal for everyday carefree use."

While reviews note that the cups are easy to hold, try slipping rubber bands over the cups for a no-slip grip — just make sure to remove the bands before washing. 

A common challenge with arthritis? Opening jars. Maggie Strode, occupational therapist and founder of Dexterity Hand Therapy, explains that because the base of the thumb joint is most commonly affected by arthritis, any activity that places force on this joint — like opening a jar — can be especially painful and difficult. 

Strode adds that jar openers can be a worthwhile investment, as they can take the pressure off the base of your thumb and allow for more dexterity. EZ Off Jar Opener is one of our favorites, as it can be securely adhered under a counter and features a nonslip grip that securely holds virtually any lid. 

One reviewer says, "The days of wrenching and bearing down on jar lids are over. Throw out the rubber ‘jar lid openers.’ This simple device is truly amazing — with only the slightest amount of effort EVERY jar lid opens effortlessly." They add that the opener is easy to install, "even if you have no handyman skills." Another reviewer calls it a "must have" and "wonderful, especially for arthritic hands when struggling to open caps and jar lids." 

Besides making regular nail care more difficult, certain types of arthritis can cause nail changes that make maintenance even more challenging. For example, with rheumatoid arthritis, nails may thicken or, in extreme cases, disconnect from the nail bed. Similarly, psoriatic arthritis can lead to nail pitting, thickening and crumbling. 

In addition to regular nail care and inspection from a health care professional, it's important to keep up with nail hygiene at home. Harac Nail Clippers are specifically designed for people who have difficulty gripping. Available in a variety of bright colors, this chunky nail clipper can either be handheld or used on a tabletop. Plus, you can grip it with a few fingers or your entire hand. 

One reviewer sums up the clipper well, saying, "This little gadget is wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about it. You kind of put it in the palm of your hand and squeeze it with your palm (and with hardly any pressure at all, it simply works) and cut the nails on your other hand. I don’t understand how it works so easily, but it works beautifully and it cuts very well. If anyone out there has arthritis and can’t clip their nails anymore, you definitely should order one of these."

Tilt stands out as the first beauty brand to receive the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use certification. Its cosmetics, including lip treatments and mascara, are designed to be easy to use by everyone, including those with special needs, chronic pain and mobility challenges. The products are easy to open and close, feature frustration-free packaging and have nonslip cases for seamless application.

For example, Tilt Lashscape Mascara comes in an extra-wide tube and has a shortened wand for easier application. Tilt also makes a Grip Stick tinted lip treatment in four creamy shades. 

Writing is another task that can be painful and challenging for those with arthritis. Whether you're addressing an envelope or making a grocery list, Singer recommends using larger pens with additional grip. Dr. Grip Limited Gel Ink pen is Ease of Use Certified by the Arthritis Foundation. It features a wide barrel and cushioned grip, making it easier and more comfortable to hold. The ink is designed to be smear-resistant, and you can easily refill the ink using the brand's G2 refills.   

One reviewer calls it an "excellent pen for arthritic hands," adding, "I use this pen daily. Given the arthritis in my hands, this pen is easy to hold and makes writing a pleasure."