How Button Hooks Help Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Dress and Live Independently

Using Button Hooks and Other Adaptive Devices to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and pain. It often affects the small joints in the hands and feet, making fine motor tasks difficult. Buttoning shirts, tying shoes, and other everyday activities can become challenging and frustrating.

Fortunately, there are many adaptive devices that can make living with RA easier. A button hook is one simple tool that can help take the strain off fingers and wrists when fastening buttons. Let's take a look at how button hooks work, plus other types of adaptive tools for managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

What is a Button Hook?

A button hook is a device that helps grip, pull, and loop small items like buttons through their holes. It acts as an extension of your finger to reduce hand and wrist strain.

Button hooks have a short handled hook on one end and a wire or blade on the other end to thread the button. The hook is slid through the buttonhole and rotated to catch the button and pull it through.

Button hooks come in standard and extendable sizes, with some having magnetic tips for easier catching of buttons. They can have cushioned plastic handles for comfort and easier grip.

Benefits of Using a Button Hook

Button hooks offer several advantages for people with rheumatoid arthritis:

• Reduce hand pain and stiffness by minimizing grasping, twisting, pinching motions.
• Require less dexterity and coordination to button shirts, coats, pants, etc.
• Prevent joint damage from excessive force used when buttoning.
• Help preserve grip strength which is often compromised with RA.
• Low cost and portable so they can be used anywhere.

Tips for Using a Button Hook

Here are some tips for effectively using a button hook:

• Position the garment so the buttonhole is closest to your dominant hand.
• Hold the button hook like a pencil in your dominant hand.
• With your other hand, point the button up through the buttonhole.
• Use the hook end to catch the button through the hole and rotate the hook 90 degrees.
• Gently pull the button hook so the wire threads the button through the hole.
• Practice buttoning with the weaker hand to reduce strain on the dominant hand.

Other Adaptive Devices for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Beyond button hooks, many other adaptive tools can support independence and reduce pain when living with rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some of the most helpful options:

Devices for Personal Care

• Electric toothbrushes reduce grip strength needed for brushing.
• Built-up or weighted utensils decrease strain for cooking and eating.
• Bath seats and grab bars ease the process of getting in and out.
• Long-handled sponges and brushes are helpful for bathing.
• Elastic shoelaces avoid the need to tie shoes.
• Sock aids allow socks to be put on without bending fingers.

Around the House Adaptations

• Door lever handles eliminate twisting motions needed with knobs.
• Electric can openers remove the torque required to turn handheld openers.
• Spring-loaded scissors help weaker grip strengths.
• Jar openers reduce strain of twisting off caps.
• reachers allow picking up items without excessive bending.

Joint Protection and Compression

• Splints support wrists or fingers to prevent further joint damage.
• Braces provide stabilization to vulnerable joints during activity.
• Compression gloves decrease inflammation and provide warmth.
• Writing aids like thick pens/pencils are easier to grip.

Choosing the Right Adaptive Devices

With so many products available, it can be difficult to determine which adaptive devices are right for your individual needs with rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some tips for choosing effective tools:

• Consider which specific tasks are difficult or painful and focus on aids to help those activities.
• Involve an occupational therapist to identify problem areas and recommend appropriate devices.
• Look for products that are adjustable, lightweight, and easy to maneuver.
• Test items out before purchasing when possible to ensure they work for you.
• Start with simple, inexpensive options before moving to more advanced tools.

Best Places to Buy Adaptive Devices

Button hooks and many other aids for rheumatoid arthritis can be found at these retailers:

• Medical supply stores
• Pharmacies
• Online retailers like Amazon
• Department stores or specialty boutiques
• thrift stores

Occupational therapists may also be able to recommend where to find specific devices or have some available for use/trial.

Using Adaptive Tools at Work

If rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like pain, stiffness, and weakness make aspects of your job difficult, adaptive tools can help you stay productive and comfortable at work. Options include:

• Alternative computer mice and keyboards to reduce joint strain.
• Desk and writing aids like pen/pencil grips for easier holding.
• Hands-free headset for phone calls instead of holding a receiver.
• Speech recognition software to type without using hands.
• Special chairs and wrist rests to support proper posture and alignment.

Discuss your needs with your employer or HR department to find ways adaptive devices can be incorporated into your workspace.

Lifestyle Changes Along with Adaptive Tools

While extremely beneficial, adaptive devices work best when paired with other lifestyle approaches to managing rheumatoid arthritis pain and progression. Some additional tips include:

• Get occupational therapy to learn joint protection techniques.
• Apply heat/cold therapy to soothe tender joints.
• Use medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Exercise regularly like swimming to improve strength and flexibility.
• Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga and meditation.
• Listen to your body and rest when needed to avoid overexertion.

Living Independently With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Simple assistive devices like button hooks, built up handles, and lever door openers can make a huge difference in managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and remaining self-sufficient. Using adaptive tools along with other lifestyle approaches enables people with RA to continue participating in all the activities they enjoy.

With some creativity and problem-solving, rheumatoid arthritis does not have to prevent you from comfortably performing everyday tasks and living independently.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.