If you’re among the many people with arthritis, you know how difficult it can be to perform even the simplest tasks, like cooking.
The pain and stiffness in your hands can make it challenging to grip and manipulate kitchen tools. But fear not! There are many kitchen tools for arthritis designed to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
These tools were specially designed to relieve the strain placed on your joints by using everyday kitchen tools. They come with wide grips and many other arthritis-friendly features to reduce the pressure on your joints.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best kitchen tools for arthritis and how they can make a difference in your daily life.
Overview of Arthritis
Arthritis is a common inflammatory chronic condition that affects one or more joints in your body and causes pain and stiffness. It is a painful condition that can make daily tasks uneasy and unbearable.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 54 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with arthritis, and it is one of the leading causes of disability in the country.
Aside from the United States, arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, and there has been a recorded prevalence of arthritis in women. However, it is not limited to women and can affect any gender, age, and ethnicity, although it is more common in older adults.
There are also different types of arthritis with their unique signs, symptoms, areas affected, and prevalence.
Here are some of the most common types of arthritis:
Osteoarthritis:
This type of arthritis is caused by the wear and tear of your joints over time and is most common in older adults above 50. It can affect any joints, including the hips, knees, hands, and spine. It is also one of the most common types of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and one of the commonest types of arthritis that causes the immune system to attack the joints, leading to inflammation. It commonly affects the small joints of the hands and feet but can also affect other joints.
Psoriatic arthritis:
This type of arthritis is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It commonly affects the spine, toes, and fingers, although it can also affect any other joint.
Gout:
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can lead to pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is most commonly found in the joints of your big toe.
Lupus:
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints and other parts of your body. The most common symptoms of lupus are inflammation and joint pain.
Importance of using kitchen tools for arthritis
These arthritis-friendly kitchen tools are essential to make kitchen tasks more manageable. Here are some benefits of kitchen tools for arthritis:
1. Prevents flare-ups
One of the triggers of flare-ups can be a physical strain, especially when trying to exert physical effort your body does not want.
Using kitchen tools for arthritis when cooking prevents you from exerting physical strain on yourself and ultimately helps to prevent a flare-up in the kitchen.
2. Helps with emotional stress
Using these tools will help to deal with the emotional stress that can occur due to frustration over your inability to perform a task. Imagine trying to cook and can’t open your spice jar—how emotional that can make you.
The use of these tools will help to prevent emotional outbursts and stress.
3. Relieves stress from cooking
The stress of cooking because of joint pains will no longer exist when you use these kitchen tools for arthritis. The tools are designed to do the work for you; sometimes, they are automated.
4. Maintains independence
It allows you to maintain independence in the kitchen, and you can prepare meals without help from anybody.
You won’t have to wait for someone to be home before opening a jar or baking.
5. Increases kitchen function
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2011 found that using specialized kitchen utensils improved the confidence and the functional ability of people with rheumatoid arthritis when cooking. It means they were able to increase their function in the kitchen and also their confidence in cooking.
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Kitchen tools for arthritis
Here are some kitchen tools for arthritis you should have in your kitchen arsenal:
1. Jar opener
A jar opener is a tool that helps people with arthritis open tight jar lids without strain on the joints.
It grips the jar lid firmly and lets you twist it open without applying much pressure if you have difficulty with grip strength due to arthritis in your hands, wrists, and fingers.
2. Can opener
A can opener is similar to a jar opener; it allows you to open cans without straining your joints. A can opener requires less effort because it has a larger handle and a sharp blade, enabling you to cut through cans easily.
It’s also great for usage with one hand, and there are also automated can openers.
3. Rocking vegetable chopper
This rocking vegetable chopper has a curved blade that swings back and forth over the vegetable and cuts it into smaller pieces. All you need to do is to place the blades over your vegetable on your chopping board and rock it back and forth.
It also has an ergonomic handle that is easy to grip without straining your hands and wrists.
4. Ergonomic knife
Ergonomic knives have a lot of arthritis-friendly features. Its large handle allows you to comfortably use it to cut your food items and reduce the need for excessive grip strength. The blade of an ergonomic knife is also serrated, which allows you to cut through without extreme pressure.
5. Apple peeler
Apple peeler allows you to peel your apples a little bit freer. The apple peeler consists of a clamp you can attach to the tabletop and a blade you turn to peel the apple.
All you need to do is attach the apple, turn the handle, and the peeling begins.
6. Electric slicer
This tool allows you to slice food with ease. It uses a motor to power the blades, and it is automated, so all you need to do is to connect it to an electric outlet and press the button.
It is a good tool if you struggle with handling traditional knives or slicers.
7. Warming mittens
Warming mittens allow you to apply heat therapy to your hands and relieve pain by increasing blood flow and promoting relaxation.
You can heat them in the microwave or oven and wear them. They are made of soft, comfortable materials.
8. One-handed cutting board
If you have difficulty using both hands, the one-handed cutting board is designed to help you in the kitchen. It has suction cups or other mechanisms that hold the board and the food in place while you cut.
9. Ergonomic kitchen stool
If you stand a lot in the kitchen, it can affect your joints and cause you pain. The ergonomic kitchen stool is designed with a cushioned seat, a backrest, and an adjustable height and tilt option. This tool allows you to work long hours in the kitchen without experiencing pain or fatigue.
10. Knob opener
This knob opener allows you to open knobs like door knobs and knobs on kitchen appliances such as microwaves and ovens. The knob opener provides a firm grip on the knob and allows you to turn it effortlessly. You can get openers that fit different knob sizes to make cooking seamless.
11. Easy grip carving knife
This carving knife has a better grip handle than the traditional knife; it allows you to cut your meats and other food items without stress.
It can also have a stainless steel serrated edge to help you when slicing.
12. Angled measuring cup
This measuring cup’s tilted design allows you to read measurements without bending and straining your neck. You can use this angled measuring cup for both liquids and measuring cups.
13. Scooper plate
This plate is designed to help you eat more efficiently by making it easy to scoop food into your spoon and eat. It can come in two different designs:
- With suction base: This keeps the plate in place on your table or tray using a suction base on the bottom to secure it to the surface. You don’t have to worry about the plate moving around.
- With raised edge: The raised edge keeps the food on your plate, allowing you to scoop it all up.
14. Lightweight pots
Lightweight pots and pans are designed to be easy for people with arthritis to lift and maneuver. They are made of light metals like aluminum and titanium and usually have ergonomic handles for easy grip.
15. Padded handles
You can add these cushioned grips to your traditional tools if you are trying to save money. The padding helps you to be able to grip these tools more efficiently and reduces pressure on your hands and fingers.
16. Foam mats/anti-fatigue mats
Foam mats and anti-fatigue mats have the same functions but are made with different materials.
Foam mats are made of foam, while anti-fatigue mats are made of unique materials like polyurethane, vinyl, and even rubber. These tools provide comfort and cushioning when you stand for long hours in the kitchen; they also have features that prevent tripping hazards and are slip resistant.
17. Anti-slip placemats
These mats prevent plates from sliding around on your table or counter. They are made with anti-slip materials like silicone or rubber and have textured surfaces that help to keep your dishes in place.
18. Long straws
Long straws are made for people with arthritis to make it easy to drink from glasses and cups without lifting them. These straws are longer than traditional straws and have different materials like plastic, stainless steel, and even silicone.
19. Plate guard
You attach a plate guard to the edge of your plate to prevent your food from spilling over the edge. If you have difficulty keeping food on your plate due to loose grip strength and tremors, this tool will be helpful for you.
20. Magnetic measuring utensils
These are utensils that have a magnet attached to them. This magnet makes it easy to attach utensils to several surfaces and find them quickly. So you don’t have to stress your fingers trying to sort through tools in your kitchen.
21. The Nimble
The nimble is a small device to grip and manipulate small objects like keys, pens, and even phone buttons. Because of its textured surface-enhancing grip, you can fit it over your fingers.
22. Easy pour kettle
This easy-pour kettle is designed to make pouring hot liquid easy, safe, and fast. It has a wide spout and an ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable to pour.
23. One-handed wash brush
This wash brush is designed to be used with one hand, allowing you to wash dishes and surfaces effortlessly and efficiently. It has a curved handle and stiff bristles that make cleaning effective and pain-free.
24. Food processor
A food processor can help you chop, shred, slice, pound, and puree your food without lifting much of a finger; it is automated and eliminates the need to chop or slice food items by hand.
BONUS: Kitchen tips for people with arthritis
- Rearrange things based on priority.
- Use as many ergonomic tools as you can.
- Invest in lightweight equipment.
- Use mostly wide-grip utensils.
- Reduce your kitchen workload.
- Soak burnt pots.
- Conserve your energy.
- Get help if necessary.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope this list of kitchen tools for arthritis will help make cooking a more enjoyable and accessible experience for you. Remember, taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be a chore; with the right tools and mindset, it can be a fulfilling and empowering experience.
As it says in Proverbs 31:27, “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
So, go ahead and equip your kitchen with these helpful tools, and take charge of your health and well-being today!
Which of these kitchen tools for arthritis do you use?
READ ALSO: 11 BEST WAYS TO DEAL WITH JOINT STIFFNESS IN THE MORNING
