Looking for Accessibility Tips for Hip Arthritis

March 16, 2024 3:22 PM

Hi folks, I'm looking for accessibility tips for hip arthritis. Searching online has led me to good but generic advice around exercise, physiotherapy, and so forth. I'm hoping for some practical task-focused tips I can put to use.

For example - I have a hard time reaching the toes on one of my feet or shaving around the ankle there. How have other people managed this?

Getting up and off the ground is a challenge that's helped indoors with a little footstool I use. Weeding is a pain as I can't bend over so I get down, crawl around, get back up again. Are garden kneeler stands worth purchasing? I do have longer tools but I sometimes need to get down to dig in the dirt to dig up roots around other plants I'm trying not to damage.

Putting on socks is another challenge that I can generally make happen but it's not easy. I've eyed up some accessibility gear online for putting on socks but I have no idea if they actually work well.

I'm on a limited budget so I don't want to buy things to find out they aren't helpful.

Looking for advice such as gear that's helpful or tips like when I want to pick something off the ground, I uh, kick it to the top of the stairs so I can go down a few steps to pick it up.

Thanks in advance!

posted by haunted_pomegranate to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

I don't have hip trouble, but after knee surgery, I used the sock things (like this) and they worked. I also highly recommend this grabber thing. I could pick up something as heavy as a pillow with it but also an envelope from the floor. That was probably my best accommodation purchase. I still use it for hard to reach items.
posted by pangolin party at 6:51 PM on March 16

I had THR (Total Hip Replacement) on my right side in 2021 and got all the different gadgets, and later when a relative had hers I loaned her the stuff (walker, cane, grabber, etc.) so she wouldn't have to buy them. Since you say you're on a limited budget perhaps someone in your extended network might be able to loan you aids they once needed but no longer do. Just a thought.

Also, I was just in to see the doctor about pain in my left hip and he said X-Rays confirm I have arthritis but it's not severe enough for THR so they're going to inject some cortisone (I think) to see if it will help. Of course I don't know your health insurance situation, but thought I'd mention FYI.
posted by forthright at 9:33 PM on March 16

I used the sock things linked above by pangolin party (after THR) and can attest that they work.

My THR happened after years of arthritis due to a congenital hip deformity. The MOST HELPFUL ADVICE I got along my journey was when a doctor told me it was important to keep the area around my hips flexible and strong. I started spending 10 minutes daily (after showering, before dressing) doing gentle stretches. Here's a link to a you tube video that gives you an idea of the kind of thing I do, even now after surgery, to help keep that area flexible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Oo2r6VcqEg
posted by eleslie at 12:50 AM on March 17

For shaving, it looks like you can get a long-handled extension device that your regular razor slots into. Generic Amazon link, since I don't have a specific product recommendation.
posted by terretu at 4:57 AM on March 17

Grabber, sock puller, chair cushions. There’s a Facebook group called Total Hip Replacement Forum that’s brilliant for this kind of support. Also general hip replacement rehab resources out there. If you don’t have a physical therapist, get one!
posted by matildaben at 10:56 AM on March 17

Some random stuff that helped before I had my hip replaced:

For getting access to my feet, toes and ankles (for shaving, polish, etc.) while seated, I would place my foot on the opposite knee rather than trying to pull it up towards my chest. (I hope that makes sense. Visualize sitting cross-legged but with only one leg.)

If you don't have one already, a cheapy electric razor can make a big difference, rather than trying shave in the shower.

For gardening, one of those home center big buckets with a lid can provide enough stability that I can use my upper body to help myself get up. (I also found a bucket lid that has a padded top to be used as a seat, which allows me to sit while weeding.)
posted by not.so.hip at 9:10 AM on March 20