Favorite supportive devices? | Arthritis Information

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Having a systemic condition requires alot of equipment.

 
I have a walking stick. A shoulder harness. Braces for my knees and and ankles. Wrist and hand splints.
 
Alot of times it is hard for me to sleep because when I lay down my feet relax and it causes pain in my ankles. So if I wrap an ace bandage lossely around them and they stay straighter it really helps a bit.
 
I was just wondering what your favorite supportive devises are or  if I am forgetting something that may be useful?
Thankfully I'm not in as bad shape with my RA - at least not at the moment.  When I was working I had to wear hand braces daily and for sleeping.  Comfortable shoes are a must.  My toes need something - they really bug me at bedtime.  I may try your idea of wrapping them up.  I sometimes wonder if I should try something to help keep my fingers and toes from turning worse but it is probably just a losing battle.Here's my favorite aid by far - a raised toilet seat!  Helps me in my time of need!  [QUOTE=waddie]Here's my favorite aid by far - a raised toilet seat!  Helps me in my time of need!  [/QUOTE]


BIG ditto! That and grab bars on the wall alongside the toilet! Custom made orthotics in my shoes are another must, along with my cane on those really painful days. Pillows under my knees when I sleep are another thing I cannot go without. I also use a soft patella brace on my knee, since my patella tilted after having two knee replacements...it helps to keep it tracking better. My wheelchair is also a must if I'm going anywhere that requires a lot of walking...mall, fair, sports game, etc. And to think, I used to be a long distance runner.  *sigh*
My Dog..............After 2 minutes I always feel a little better... [QUOTE=6t5frlane]My Dog..............After 2 minutes I always feel a little better...[/QUOTE] Lynn492011-05-20 05:40:31muscles...best thing we can do for ourselves is to stengthen our muscles to the best of our abilitiesmy toilevator http://www.simpleabilities.com/cgi-bin/sa/04-16B004A.html and wrist splints.   I have wrist splits for sleeping, and also if I am using the computer for longer than 10 minutes.  I also "wedge" myself into a sideways sleeping position, but use pillows to do that.  One goes in wedged behind me along my "back, with a hot corn bag tucked down there (stays Warm All night). The other pillow goes in front, doubled over underneath my knees, and another hot corn bag for my arms.
 
This little routine keeps me very comfortable, and I'm not tossing and turning (which used to wake me up several times a night - ouch) . 
 
I also use the corn bags if I am just sitting reading or watching TV.  I do get quite a lot of moderate pain in my arm muscles that the meds don't do anything for at all - the heat seems to be the only thing that relieves it.  Also of course, keeps me warm!! toilevator!!!..wow!   never heard of such a thing.. but we did have the higher toilets put in our home when we built it 8 years ago for my RA and the fact that we are tall people.. I am 5'10" and my husband is 6'2" ... I really need to get more active, but I was officially dx with RA only two weeks ago. I have had two rounds of MTX so far. I am still in a lot of pain and have swollen wrists, hands and knees and some swelling in my ankles. I am so ready to be able to just for for a walk again. I am having knee injections starting soon. That will be a six-week process since I am having both knees done. After all of that, I hope to be able to exercise again. At this point my elbows and knees are just too tender to do much. BUT, I am looking forward to the day when I can start strenghtening my muscles again. I like that think Lynn was talking about. Both of my hips are kind of bad. I may have to have one of those! I always try to stay active. Just you know sometimes you can not. I am back to walking again for the moment.
 
School is out so WOW! Getting a bit too much exercise this week. Do you ever wonder how you will survive the summer? I love those kids but it is a bit much at times.
 
LOL I like paper plates and paper cups also. So did the girls they started building pyramids with them so I bought some more.
Glad you're feeling better Milly, and doing some walking. I totally understand wanting to stay active, but at times you just can't. Hang in there and continue to feel better!

Snow...I absolutely LOVE my electric spa mitts! The warmth feels so good when the hands are aching, and with a little cuticle oil and some plastic bags, my hands get so smooth and soft! 
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