Helpful Gadgets for Arthritis - Electronics

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1: Around the House
Part 2: Grooming
Part 3: Travel

Introduction

In this day & age,  people find themselves more and more immersed in technology needed to properly keep up with an increasingly fast paced world. But while these electronic gadgets bring a host of conveniences with their use, those with arthritis, hand weakness, or other such dexterity issues may find using them a painful problem of its own.
 
And so here are the gadgets, devices, and other bits of ableware that make handling those other electronic gadgets far more convenient. These cover a wide scope of items available from specialty stores to your local Home Depot, ranging from simple cuffs for pushing buttons to high tech foot pedals that take the place of handheld computer mice.

Button Pushers

• These are small wand or stick shaped devices that aid those with hand stiffness, dexterity issues, or other hand function limits push buttons, turn pages, or use keyboards. They often are attached directly to the wrist or hand via cuffs or clips.
• Alimed Clear View Typing Aid | Sammons Preston Typing Aid | Typing Aid | Slip On Typing Aid | Maddak Page Turner & Keyboard Aid | Maddak Touch-N-Type Stick
  

Computer Keyboards

• A selection of universal ergonomic keyboards that have been reviewed as good choices for arthritis sufferers as well as a few models that were specifically tailored for those with hand mobility issues from their conception.
  
• BigKeys LX Keyboards | Orbitouch Keyless Keyboard & Mouse Set  | Kinesis Keyboards
  

Computer Mouse

• This selection of arthritis friendly computer mice in varying styles runs the range from normal ergonomic that can be found at run-of-the-mill computer stores to those that have been specifically developed to help with carpal tunnel's syndrome and other hand issues.
• Orbitouch Keyless Keyboard & Mouse Set | Kinesis Touchpad, RollerMouse, & Vertical Mice | HandShoe Mouse | 3M Wireless Ergonomic Mouse | Apple Magic Trackpad 2 | Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 Mouse | Logitech Trackman Marble
  

Computer Foot Pedals

• For those who find using a mouse by hand as too unwieldy, painful, or otherwise impossible, there are foot operated versions of mice & trackballs which have the same functionality as their more normal counterparts.
  
• Kinesis Foot Pedals | Footime Computer Foot Mouse | Scythe USB Foot Switch | X-keys XK-3 Foot Pedal | TOMTOP USB Foot Control Switch Pedal | Generic Plastic USB Foot Pedal
  

Large Button Remote Controls

• Universal remote controls with large easy-to-read and easy-to-push buttons that are helpful both for the visually impaired and for those with hand weakness or dexterity problems. Most feature a simplified set of buttons.
  
• Tek Partner Universal Remote Control | Tek Pal Large Button Remote Control | Hy Tek Big Button Universal Remote | Doro HandleEasy Remote Control  Flipper Big Button Remote | Weemote X | Jumbo Remote Control
  

Tablet Holders

• These are handles, cuffs, and clips that make holding unto a tablet, e-reader, or iPad for an extended amount of time less strenuous for those that have weakness, pain, or other issues with their hands and fingers.
  
• Tab Grabber | Padlette | E-buddy | Scott Paul Technologies e-Handle | Joylink 360 Universal Tablet Holder | Gadget Grips Universal Tablet Case
  

Cell Phones

• Big button cell phones that are easier on the fingers for those with limited hand dexterity or other such issues. Most of these phones have been specifically tailored for seniors or those with arthritis.
• Kisa Phone | GreatCall Jitterbug | Snapfōn ezTWO3G
  

Landline Phones

• Yes, these do still exist and their big button versions are particularly helpful for those dialing out from the comfort of their own homes. These phones have been specifically tailored for seniors, those with visibility or memory problems, as well as arthritis sufferers and those with other hand dexterity issues.
• Future Call FC-1507 Big Button Phone | Clarity Ameriphone P300 | RCA 1123-1WTGA Amplified Big Button Phone | Clear Sounds CSC500 AmplifiedPhone | Clarity Ameriphone JV35W Amplified Telephone | Geemarc AMPLIVOICE50 | Serene Innovations HD-50JV Jumbo Talking Phone