Assistive Devices for Psoriatic Arthritis

When joint pain and stiffness strike, tasks related to personal hygiene, like using the toilet and taking a shower, can become challenging. Use these devices to help make each trip to the bathroom a little easier.

Toilet seat riser

A toilet seat riser is an assistive device that slips underneath your toilet seat or completely replaces it.

When placed under your toilet seat, it will increase the height of the toilet by 2.5 to 3.5 inches, according to the nonprofit organization North Dakota Assistive. Replacing your toilet seat will give you a height from 2.5 to 6 inches, depending on the brand you choose.

This extra height can make getting to a seated position and standing up again easier. Some toilet seat risers also come with handles for more stability.

Be mindful of the material of the toilet seat riser you choose. Some have a spongy material that can stick to your skin. This can be uncomfortable if you also have psoriasis skin lesions. A hard plastic seat might be a better option.

Long-handled sponge

You can make bathing and showering easier by using a long-handled sponge. This assistive device has a regular sponge attached to a long handle. A long-handled sponge can help you reach your feet and lower legs without bending forward if you have pain in your hips.

Swivel bath stool

If standing for long periods of time is difficult, adding a swivel bath stool can help. Sitting down while showering helps take pressure off sore joints. The rotating seat also helps reduce the need to twist and reach while bathing.

Wash and dry bidet

A bidet helps you wash your bottom with a spray of water and dry it with air to help you keep it clean after using the toilet.

Bidets come in a few different versions. For example, they can be installed onto the back of a traditional toilet or as a sprayer attachment alongside the toilet.

Some high-tech toilets have a built-in bidet with a variety of features, such as heated air dryers, self-cleaning nozzles, and adjustable water pressure.

Bath seats

Sitting down while showering or bathing can rest your joints and help prevent a fall.

Bath seats, sometimes called bath or shower chairs, provide support — especially while you’re getting in and out of the shower or tub.

Many have adjustable arms and backs to make bathing easier and can be stored in or outside of the shower or tub.

Electric razors and toothbrushes

PsA may make holding small items and applying pressure for an extended period of time challenging. Small electric tools like razors and toothbrushes use vibration to reduce the amount of grip strength needed to shave or brush your teeth. These come in a range of styles and sizes.

When you have PsA, the thought of spending time in the kitchen to make yourself a healthy meal may seem daunting. Use these tools to help you carry out kitchen tasks from prep to cleanup.

Loop scissors

If PsA affects the small joints in your hands and fingers, it can make using conventional scissors difficult. You might want to try loop scissors instead. These self-opening scissors allow you to cut things by putting gentle pressure on the long loop handle. They come in a range of sizes for different purposes.

Reachers

Reaching items in high or low cabinets can be painful during a PsA flare. Consider purchasing a reacher for your kitchen. This long, lightweight tool has a handle on one end and a grabbing device on the other. You can use it to grab out-of-reach items without straining your joints.

Electric can opener

An electric can opener takes away the manual effort of opening canned food by hand. Once you position the can in place and press the lever, a sharp blade cuts the rim to open the can. Similarly, an automatic jar opener can help remove lids on glass jars.

Good-angled grip cutlery

Swollen finger joints can interfere with your ability to lift a fork or spoon to your mouth. Adaptive utensils, like good-angled grip cutlery, can make mealtime easier. This easily graspable flatware comes bent at an angle, making it more comfortable to use. Some options can be bent to an angle of your choosing.

Straws

Around 5% of people with PsA report that they’re unable to lift a full cup of water to their mouths or can only do so with much difficulty, according to a 2016 study.

Popping a straw in a glass of water can allow you to drink without lifting the cup. Consider investing in a few high quality reusable straws.

Jar openers

Stiff finger joints can make opening bottles and jars challenging. Jar openers come in multiple forms.

Rubber or silicone grippers may help provide traction. A “jar pop” or church-key opener can help break the vacuum seal, making a new jar especially tough to open. An electric jar opener does the twisting for you, taking the pressure off your joints.

PsA joint pain can keep you up at night, but poor sleep can worsen joint pain. Use these assistive devices in the bedroom to help you get a good night’s sleep.

Electric adjustable bed

Around 8 in 10 people with arthritis have trouble sleeping, according to the Arthritis Foundation. An electric adjustable bed can help you get into a comfortable position. Plus, it can elevate your legs to relieve inflammation in your lower extremities.

Orthopedic pillow

An orthopedic pillow can be a useful assistive device if you have neck pain. It’s designed to provide support and keep your upper body in the right position while lying in bed. You can also use pillows to prop up your legs or other affected joints as needed to get comfortable.

Electric blanket

Snuggling with a warm blanket can be soothing to painful joints. Consider purchasing an electric blanket with a timer. That way, you can turn down the heat while you’re sleeping and turn it back up to warm up stiff joints before your alarm clock goes off.

Your feet provide your body with balance and mobility, so it’s important to take care of them to make sure they can function and support you properly. Try these foot-friendly gadgets to help you get around in comfort.

Orthopedic shoes

Orthotics and specialized footwear can ease pressure on your joints and make walking more comfortable, according to the Arthritis Foundation. While there are no official recommendations on footwear for PsA, some support communities for people with arthritis recommend shoes with supportive or rocker soles and removable orthotic inserts.

Long-handled shoehorn

A shoehorn is an assistive device that makes it easier to slide your foot into a shoe. Some have long handles that can eliminate the need to bend down when putting shoes on.

No-tie shoelaces and Velcro fasteners

Swollen, painful joints in your fingers, hands, and wrists can make it hard to tie your shoes.

No-tie shoelace systems are available at shoe stores and online. They can replace conventional shoelaces.

Often made from elastic, these stretchy shoelaces can turn any pair of lace-up shoes into a slip-on pair. It’s also helpful to wear shoes with Velcro fasteners for shoe closure to prevent stress on the hands.

PsA affects different people in different ways. Depending on how your mobility is affected by your symptoms, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend that you use an assistive device to help you walk.

These devices may include:

• canes, which can be useful if you have pain in one side of your body that makes it hard to balance or walk, per the Arthritis Foundation
• walkers, which can provide additional support if you feel unsteady on your feet
• wheelchairs, which may be necessary if you have more severe PsA that’s reducing your ability to walk

Whether at work or at home, the right seating arrangements can help take the stress off achy joints. Try these gadgets to comfortably stay seated.

Ergonomic chair

The chair at your office can make a big difference in your ability to get your job done, especially during a PsA flare.

Request an ergonomic chair from your workplace. Ask for one that has lumbar support to promote good posture while sitting.

A swivel and rolling chair can also allow you to get around without stressing your joints. The right headrest can also ease the strain on your neck and shoulders.

Footrest

Dangling legs can increase back pain. If your feet don’t reach the floor, consider using a footrest.

Find one that keeps your knees and ankles at 90-degree angles. You can also use items around your home, such as a stack of books or a cardboard box, to create your own footrest.

Here you’ll find additional answers to more questions about arthritis.

What assistive devices can help arthritis hands?

If you have PsA and are having difficulty using your hands, such as frequently dropping things, you can look for tools that have handles and are easier to grasp. This applies to kitchen devices or any tools for any kind of task.

What can I do to prevent losing my balance?

Grab bars are designed to provide support and maintain balance. They can offer extra support throughout your home, especially in places where slipping is a concern. Consider installing a grab bar in bathrooms. Grab bars can also lessen fatigue and may be helpful near staircase landings.

Where can I buy assistive devices?

Many devices that can help people with PsA live their daily lives are available for purchase in nearly any store, including on Amazon. This includes kitchen tools and office, bathroom, and bedroom equipment. In addition, organizations like the Arthritis Foundation may be able to help you find specific equipment.

If PsA is making it difficult for you to complete everyday tasks, assistive devices can help. Some gadgets can help with all kinds of chores and activities, from bathing and walking to preparing meals.

Work with a physical or occupational therapist to determine which assistive devices might be best for you.