Over the past several years, I’ve started keeping a collection of my favorite items that make my day easier and soothe my pain. The curious part — many of them aren’t developed specifically for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but have been major game changers in my daily life. The items have helped ease the burden of everyday tasks and brought back joy into following my passions and savoring my day.
Mary’s Nutritionals Muscle Freeze
I discovered this product during a flare up and fell in love with its soothing, cooling effect. This product contains activated hemp extract for quick relief. Mary’s Nutrtionals Muscle Freeze is hands down my favorite topical cream at the moment, but make sure to check out all of their products, including the sample pack.
Dexter DuoGlide Knives
The grip and ergonomics of the DuoGlide All Purpose Chef’s Knife make it ideal for a home chef. All Dexter DuoGlide knives are “designed to make it easier for those with arthritis to cut, chop, or slice, with greater comfort and less fatigue.” Check out the DuoGlide line of products.
Simple Human Wall Mount Pump
We’ve all dealt with the pain associated with the dreaded shake and squeeze of a shampoo bottle. This wall mount pump holds shampoos, conditioners, and soaps, making it easy and painless to get fresh and clean. Give it a look to see if the single, twin, or triple option might work its way into your shower.
Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-powder
Not every day is a day to use a curling or flat iron, or even wash your hair, but that doesn’t mean that every day shouldn’t be a good hair day. This dry shampoo reduces oiliness in hair and builds texture. Check out Prêt-à-powder to save your hands and shoulders a little effort.
Robot Vacuums
Just the term sounds like you have an assistant straight out of The Jetsons. We purchased one of these several years ago and never looked back. They are perfect at surface level and deep cleaning, buying you even more time before you have to lug around that heavy vacuum. They navigate any room, can find the messiest spots, and dock back at their charging stations. Most even come with an app where you can schedule for it to clean when you’ll be out of the house. Some of my favorite options include iRobot Roomba and ECOVACS DEEBOT.
Sharpies
This may seem like a simple one, but Sharpies have saved me plenty of pain. Sharpies write smoothly so you don’t have to apply too much pressure and come in various shapes and sizes for comfort. Grab some Sharpies on Amazon in your favorite sizes and colors.
Flamingo Razor
The key to an easy shaving experience starts with sharp, fresh blades and a grippable handle. Flamingo is an amazing and beautiful option with affordable blade refills so you can replace them frequently. With a weighted handle and rubber grip, this ergonomic design makes it a breeze to shave. Check out the Flamingo Razor or get started with a shave kit.
Ergonomic Mouse
Finding the right ergonomic mouse is key in a digital world filled with hours on a computer every day. Each person faces their own challenges when it comes to their hands so there is no one perfect mouse. However, these two come highly recommended for those who need to give their wrists and fingers a rest. My personal favorite is the Logitech Wireless Trackball M570, but have gotten countless recommendations for the Anker Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse.
OXO Tongs
OXO was founded by Sam Farber when he saw his wife, Betsey, struggling with her arthritis in the kitchen. All OXO kitchen tools are made with ease of use in mind, but the tongs are my favorite item. They also come with nylon and silicone heads for non-stick surfaces. Check out all of OXO’s products to make each day a little easier.
Burlap & Barrel New Harvest Turmeric
Many studies have shown that there are anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric that are known to reduce and prevent inflammation. Whether it comes as a supplement, powder, or juice, turmeric is being consumed to improve immune system health. This spice is a perfect addition to sauces, soups, smoothies, lattes, and really any dish that needs an earthy spice kick. Burlap & Barrel New Harvest Turmeric is grown organically in southern India by Dr. Salunhke, an expert farmer specializing in sustainable agricultural techniques.
IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves
This may just be my favorite item on the whole list — they could be magic! These gloves reduce swelling and keep your joints warm while still allowing you to use your fingertips. I like to apply some of the Mary’s Nutritionals Muscle Freeze or other topical cream, and then throw these gloves on. They come in various sizes and subtle colors. Buy a pair at IMAK’s store on Amazon.
Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt
We all need a little time to relax. Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salts give us this opportunity to treat our aches and pains. Epsom salts have been known to reduce swelling and ease pain, and these particular salts come in a variety of lovely scents like lavender, ginger, matcha green tea, eucalyptus & spearmint, and more. Check them out online or at your favorite retailer like Target or Walgreens.
