How can the use of adaptive devices and mobility aids benefit a patient with arthritis?
Assistive devices that substitute for deficient function help a patient with arthritis conserve energy, decrease stress on joints, relieve pain, and be more functionally independent. Adaptive devices for kitchen, bathroom, and self-care are readily available and can include built-up utensil handles, zipper pulls, and a raised toilet seat. Mobility aids include canes, crutches (axillary, forearm, platform), walkers (manual, wheeled), wheelchairs (manual, powered), and scooters. In patients with spinal stenosis, a rolling walker with a seat can be helpful in producing a relatively flexed lumbar spine walking posture as well as providing a seat when needed to relieve neurogenic claudication pain.
