Ergonomic Tools and Adaptive Devices for Arthritis

Key Takeaways

Simple tools can dramatically reduce joint strain during daily activities
Ergonomic design principles: Larger grips, leverage, reduced force
Many inexpensive options available without prescription
The right tools maintain independence and reduce pain
Joint protection is about working smarter, not harder
Occupational therapists are experts in adaptive equipment

Arthritis doesn’t just hurt—it makes everyday tasks difficult. Opening jars, turning doorknobs, buttoning shirts, and holding pens can become challenging. The right ergonomic tools and adaptive devices can restore function and independence.

Joint Protection Principles

The Goals

Every adaptation aims to:

Reduce force required for tasks
Distribute pressure over larger areas
Maintain alignment of joints
Avoid prolonged gripping
Use larger, stronger joints when possible

Core Strategies

Increase leverage:

Longer handles multiply force
Less effort needed for same result

Enlarge grip surfaces:

Bigger grips reduce pressure
Less pinching required

Use two hands when possible:

Distributes work between hands
Reduces strain on each

Avoid sustained gripping:

Take breaks
Use tools that hold for you

Kitchen Tools

Opening and Gripping

Jar openers:

Under-cabinet mounted openers
V-shaped rubber grip openers
Electric jar openers
Rubber grip sheets
Cost: $5-$40

Can openers:

Electric can openers (one-touch)
Ergonomic manual openers
Ring-pull aids
Cost: $10-$50

Bottle openers:

Multi-purpose openers
Prescription bottle openers
Leverage-based designs
Cost: $5-$20

Cooking and Prep

Knives:

Rocker knives (curved blade)
Ergonomic handle knives
Electric food choppers
Cost: $10-$100

Cutting boards:

Non-slip boards
Boards with corner guards (hold food)
Boards with spikes (secure food)
Cost: $15-$50

Vegetable peelers:

Ergonomic Y-peelers
Palm peelers (strap to hand)
Electric peelers
Cost: $5-$30

Eating Utensils

Adaptive utensils:

Built-up foam handles
Weighted utensils (for tremors)
Bendable utensils
Angled utensils
Cost: $5-$30 each

Plates and bowls:

Scoop plates (raised edge)
Non-slip mats underneath
Two-handled mugs
Cost: $10-$30

Personal Care

Dressing Aids

Button hooks:

Wire loop pulls button through
Combined with zipper pulls
Essential for hand arthritis
Cost: $5-$15

Zipper pulls:

Ring or loop attachments
Replace small zipper tabs
Easy to add to any zipper
Cost: $3-$10

Sock aids:

Plastic or fabric forms
Slide sock on, pull up with handles
Eliminates bending
Cost: $10-$25

Long-handled shoehorns:

18-24 inch handles
No bending required
Metal or plastic
Cost: $5-$20

Elastic shoelaces:

Convert tie shoes to slip-on
No tying needed
Various colors available
Cost: $5-$10

Grooming

Long-handled brushes/combs:

Extended reach
Reduces shoulder strain
Various lengths
Cost: $10-$25

Ergonomic toothbrushes:

Large, soft handles
Electric toothbrushes (do the work)
Angled heads
Cost: $5-$150 (electric)

Nail care:

Long-handled nail clippers
Mounted nail clippers
Electric nail files
Cost: $10-$40

Razors:

Razors with enlarged grips
Electric shavers
Long-handled options
Cost: $10-$100

Bathing

Grab bars:

Wall-mounted (best)
Suction-cup (temporary)
Essential safety item
Cost: $20-$100 installed

Shower chairs/benches:

Sit while showering
Various heights and styles
Transfer benches span tub
Cost: $30-$150

Long-handled sponges:

Reach back and feet
Various shapes
Cost: $5-$15

Hand-held shower heads:

Flexible hose
Sit while showering
Cost: $20-$60

Home and Household

Reaching and Lifting

Reachers/grabbers:

26-36 inch options
Squeezing or trigger action
Pick up items without bending
Cost: $10-$30

Lightweight cleaning tools:

Light vacuum cleaners
Spray mops (less wringing)
Long-handled dustpans
Cost: Varies

Doors and Handles

Lever door handles:

Replace round knobs
Press down to open
Much easier on hands
Cost: $15-$40 per handle

Key turners:

Enlarged grip for keys
Increased leverage
Less pinch force needed
Cost: $5-$15

Door knob covers:

Rubber lever covers
Fit over existing knobs
Temporary solution
Cost: $5-$15

Writing and Office

Ergonomic pens:

Large barrel pens
Soft grip pens
Weighted pens
Cost: $3-$20

Pen grips:

Foam or rubber add-ons
Fit on regular pens
Build up grip
Cost: $3-$10 for pack

Book holders:

Hold book open
Reduce hand strain
Desktop or lap styles
Cost: $15-$40

Computer adaptations:

Ergonomic keyboards
Vertical mice
Voice recognition software
Cost: $30-$200

Automotive Aids

Entering and Exiting

Car cane/handle:

Fits in door latch
Provides leverage to stand
Portable
Cost: $15-$30

Swivel seat cushions:

Rotate for easier entry
No twisting required
Cost: $20-$50

Seat belt reaches:

Extend seat belt
Easier to grasp
Cost: $10-$20

Driving

Steering wheel covers:

Larger grip surface
Padded options
Cost: $15-$40

Key adaptations:

Push-button start (newer cars)
Key turners
Remote starters
Cost: Varies

Finding and Buying Tools

Where to Look

Online retailers:

Amazon (search “arthritis aids”)
Independent Living Aids
Maxi Aids
North Coast Medical

Brick-and-mortar:

Medical supply stores
Some pharmacies
Big-box stores (limited selection)
Hospital gift shops

Specialty:

Arthritis Foundation resources
Occupational therapy clinics
Rehabilitation centers

Before Buying

Consider:

Will you actually use it?
Is the price reasonable for benefit?
Read reviews from people with arthritis
Can it be returned if it doesn’t work?

Professional Guidance

Occupational therapists can:

Assess your specific needs
Recommend appropriate tools
Teach proper technique
Provide custom solutions
Often covered by insurance

DIY Adaptations

Simple Modifications

Build up grips:

Foam pipe insulation
Bicycle handlebar tape
Tennis grip tape
Adhesive foam sheets

Add leverage:

Rubber bands on jars
Loops on zippers
Wooden dowel extensions

Reduce friction:

Rubber shelf liner (non-slip)
Rubber bands for grip
Textured tape

Kitchen Hacks

Needle-nose pliers to open packages
Scissors on key ring
Rubber bands around jar lids
Damp cloth under cutting board

Cost and Insurance

Price Expectations

Most simple adaptive tools cost $5-$50. More complex items:

Electric can openers: $20-$50
Shower chairs: $30-$150
Ergonomic keyboards: $50-$200
Power seat lift chairs: $800-$3,000

Insurance Coverage

Medicare:

Covers some DME with prescription
Shower chairs, grab bars may qualify
“Convenience items” typically not covered

Private insurance:

Varies widely
May cover if prescribed
Check specific plan

Other resources:

State assistive technology programs
Charitable organizations
Tax deductions (medical expense)

Making Changes Stick

Start Small

Pick one problem area
Try one or two tools
Build from success

Common Obstacles

“I should be able to do this myself”:

Tools are smart, not weakness
Protect joints for longevity
Independence IS the goal

“It’s too expensive”:

Many tools are cheap
Compare to pain and limitation
Start with lowest-cost solutions

“I don’t know what I need”:

OT evaluation
Trial and error
Ask others with arthritis

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start if I’m overwhelmed?

Start with your biggest pain point—the task that frustrates you most or causes the most pain. Address that first. Success there will motivate you to make other changes. Common first choices: jar openers, button hooks, or long-handled reachers.

Are expensive tools worth it?

Not necessarily. Many inexpensive tools work very well. The $10 jar opener may work as well as the $40 one. Start cheap, upgrade if needed. Exception: for items used daily (like ergonomic utensils), investing in quality makes sense.

Should I see an occupational therapist?

Yes, if possible. OTs are experts in adaptive equipment and can assess your specific needs, recommend appropriate tools, and teach techniques you might not discover on your own. One or two sessions can be very valuable. Insurance often covers this.

Will I become dependent on these tools?

These tools don’t make you weaker—they protect your joints. Using appropriate tools is smart joint protection. You’ll actually be able to do more, maintain strength better, and stay independent longer by reducing unnecessary joint strain.

Can these tools help prevent surgery?

While they won’t cure arthritis, reducing joint stress may help slow progression and maintain function longer. Combined with exercise and other treatments, joint protection strategies can help you manage for years.

Exploring other ways to manage daily life? Read about home modifications for arthritis or learn about joint protection strategies.

Last medically reviewed: January 2025

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For personalized recommendations on adaptive equipment, consider consulting an occupational therapist who can assess your specific needs and abilities.