Best products for arthritis to make everyday tasks a bit easier

Living with arthritis can turn even simple daily tasks into difficult challenges, thanks to stiff fingers, sore wrists and aching knees and hips. Medications, physical therapy and dietary changes play an important role in managing symptoms, but the right tools can also make a meaningful difference. They may not be flashy or overly exciting, but the best products for arthritis can help you preserve your independence and improve your quality of life.

"Arthritis means that there is disease or inflammation within the joint," explains Paul Tuttle, DO, a pediatric and adult rheumatologist at Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) in Wisconsin. "This can be from typical wear-and-tear arthritis or the autoimmune/inflammatory arthritis. Both can be painful and cause stiffness in the joints, which can ultimately limit daily activities and cause them to become very difficult."

Tuttle also highlights the emotional toll arthritis can take, noting that its challenges often go unnoticed by others. "Arthritis may not be as obvious as other chronic diseases, and pain is a harder thing to see or empathize with from the outside," he says.

Fortunately, there are experts who not only understand these challenges but also work to help troubleshoot and navigate them, designing special products or coming up with novel uses for everyday items to help ease pain and improve mobility. To find out which tools truly make a difference, we spoke with two rheumatologists, an occupational therapist and an arthritis caregiver. Their insights reveal the best products for making everyday life easier when you're managing arthritis.

Best products for arthritis

Meet our experts

• Paul Tuttle, DO, pediatric and adult rheumatologist at Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) in Wisconsin

• Nora Singert, MD, RhMSUS, director of rheumatology at the MetroHealth System at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland

• Inga Juzysta, an in-home provider and owner of Always Best Care Senior Services in Boulder, Colo.

• Maggie Strode, OTR/L, CHT, founder of Dexterity Hand Therapy

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.