There are various reasons why people experience weak hands. For example, they can result from medical conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or Parkinson’s disease. Or, there may be compression or damage to nerves in the hand or wrist that leads to weakness. Weak hands may also simply be due to a natural decline in muscle mass and strength that often accompanies aging, including in their hands. Fortunately, there are plenty of inexpensive gadgets and arthritis tools for hands to help make life easier for those who need a little extra help.
What Kinds of Hand Assistive Devices Are Available These Days?
There are several types of hand assistive devices designed to help people with weak hands or who have limited hand strength in performing daily tasks. These tools can enhance independence and improve the quality of life for individuals facing hand weakness. Here are some examples of tools you can buy for a loved one with weak hands.
Adaptive utensils
Specialized utensils with larger handles, ergonomic grips, or built-up handles can make eating and cooking easier for those with weak hands.
Reacher grabbers
Long-handled reacher grabbers allow individuals to pick up objects from the floor, shelves, or other hard-to-reach places without bending or stretching.
Button hooks and zipper pulls
These tools assist in fastening buttons and zippers on clothing, making dressing easier for people with limited hand dexterity.
Jar and bottle openers
These devices provide extra leverage to open tight jar lids and bottle caps, reducing the strain on weak hands.
Key turners
Key turners provide a larger grip and extra leverage, making it easier to turn keys in locks.
Adaptive writing aids
Pen and pencil grips, weighted pens, or built-up writing implements can assist individuals with weak hands in writing tasks.
Electric can openers
Automatic can openers require minimal effort to open cans, making them more manageable for those with weak hand strength.
Sock aids
These tools help individuals put on socks without bending over, reducing the strain on hands and arms.
Hand exercisers
These devices are designed to strengthen hand muscles and improve grip strength through repetitive squeezing exercises.
Adaptive gardening tools
Gardening tools with ergonomic handles and mechanisms that require less force can be beneficial for individuals with weak hands who enjoy gardening.
Self-opening scissors
Scissors with spring-loaded blades that automatically reopen after each cut can be easier to use for people with weak hand grip.
Electric toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes reduce the effort required for brushing teeth and can be helpful for those with weak hands.
It’s important for individuals with weak hands to try different tools and adaptive aids to find the ones that best suit their specific needs and preferences. Occupational therapists can also provide valuable guidance in selecting and using appropriate assistive devices to enhance independence and daily function.
Arthritis Tools for Hands Recommended By Our Readers
We asked our readers for their suggestions on inexpensive arthritis tools for hands that help make simple everyday tasks easier. Here are the assistive tools for hands they shared that are readily available on Amazon (these gifts are also good for those with Parkinson’s or just general weakness):
Big Squeeze Tube
Waste Less, Save More – Professional-Grade Metal Tube Squeezer helps you get every last drop out of virtually any tube. Stop wasting expensive creams, toothpaste, and anything that comes out of a tube! Not only can you get an extra 25% out of your tubes so it is a great tool for EVERYONE, but it is especially helpful for those with weak or arthritic hands.
Multifunctional Water Bottle Openers (2) for Weak Hands
These water bottle openers are ideal for arthritic hands or anyone with compromised hand strength. They are also great if you simply have long fingernails or if you are just looking for a better, faster, easier way to open all of the sealed kitchen containers. People love them for water and soda bottles both large and small, soda and beer cans, canned food cans, and ring pull tabs. Ergonomic, rubber, non-slip bottle openers are lightweight and dishwasher safe.
Electric, Hands-Free Automatic Jar Opener for Arthritic or Painful Hands
This handy little gadget is a fabulous hands-free solution! Just press the button to automatically open your jar! Fully automatic, this electric jar opener consumes very little energy and requires only the use of 2 AA batteries. Extremely durable and comfortable to use.
Foam Grip Tubing/Foam Tubing – 3 Sizes (6 pack)
Our readers love these reusable, microwaveable hand warmer gloves, for pain relief! All you do is heat in the microwave for one minute! They increase blood circulation after wearing for 5-10 minutes which helps sooth stiff joints, calm muscle spasms, improve range of motion and reduce inflammation. Use daily for stronger more energized hands!
This set of water bottle openers is another great option for those with weak hands. Lightweight, they are easy to use on the go, especially since they attach to keychains, totes, and purses.
Deluxe Sock Aid – Socks Helper with Foam Handles
The Deluxe Sock Aid is a great help for individuals wanting to put on socks easily and independently when needing a little extra help. It is an Ideal daily living aid for those having difficulty bending down, recovering from back, knee, or hip replacement surgery, or for those with limited mobility. comes with comfortable and non-slip foam handles.
2-Pack 32″ Grabber Reacher Tool
Silicone Universal Cuff Aid for Limited Hand Grip
Comfortable to use, these stretchy silicone handles help turn normal silverware into adaptive tableware. Those with compromised hand strength and/or those with cerebral palsy will find it much easier to use utensils with these handles. Comes in 8 different sizes.
Dressing Aid Pocket Dresser to Help with Button Hooks, Zipper Pulls, and Shoelaces
Adaptive Aids For Weak Hands Can Simplify Life
These inexpensive gadgets make great gifts for birthdays or holidays, or even stocking stuffers for Christmas. Do you know of other great adaptive tools for weak hands? Please share in the comment section below.
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