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Saturday 9 March 2013

Assistive Devices

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation between the spinal joints, resulting in pain and stiffness that can make everyday tasks a challenge without the aid of assistive devices.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) typically affects the lower back; however, the condition can also cause stiffness in the upper torso, neck and in other major joints, such as the hip, knees, and jaw. The symptoms of the condition often require supporting tools like canes, reachers and mirrors.

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“People who have difficulty reaching up high might benefit from a reacher, while others who have difficulty turning their heads quickly to look right or left might need special mirrors placed on their car so they can drive,” says Vicki Kaskutas, OTD, MHS, OT/L, assistant professor in occupational therapy and medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Work with your AS doctor and physical therapist to choose the tools that will most adequately serve you. A balance assessment is likely to be part of the evaluation process, since assistive devices such as canes are often useful tools to help you stay upright and mobile. Your AS professional will also watch as you attempt other tasks, such as getting in and out of a chair or walking for a set distance, to identify the assistive devices best suited for your needs.

Staying Mobile with Assistive Devices

  • Reacher. This is a tool that extends your grasp, allowing you to reach items on a high shelf without having to push your arms and chest beyond what’s comfortable for you.
  • Cane. A cane can help with stability for walking while taking some pressure off your joints. Other mobility aids for AS that offer more support are walkers and rollators (a walker with three or four wheels).
  • Dressing aids. A variety of tools can help you get dressed if you are having difficulty bending down and reaching around to do the tasks involved in dressing, such as lacing up shoes, using zippers, and hooking a bra. An extended shoe horn allows you to ease into your shoes while other devices are made to pull on socks or hosiery.
  • Braces or splints. These may be useful to take the stress off painful joints and tendons. Close to one in three people with AS experiences pain or changes in function to joints beyond the spine and lower back. If your wrists are affected, for example, you could find it helpful to have arm supports and wrist braces when using a keyboard and doing other tasks.
  • Orthotic shoes. Because AS can cause inflammation and changes in the structure of the foot, you may benefit from the support of specially designed shoes.
  • Raised seats. If pain in your hips, back, or knees makes it hard to get up and lower yourself down, using raised seats and cushions translates to less bending. Devices are available for office chairs, your sofa, and the toilet seat.
  • Supportive cushions. Particularly when seated, you may find that supportive cushions can help ease pain and maintain good posture. Ergonomically designed pillows and cushions for chairs, the bed, and your car bring comfort and support.
  • Mirrors on cars. Where state law allows, adding mirrors that enable you to see at all angles when driving will limit the amount of painful twisting and turning you need to do.
  • Rails and grips. These supportive devices include grab bars secured to the walls around your tub and toilet (a towel bar can’t support your weight) and assistive rails or handles that slide between your mattress and box spring and under a sofa or chair and can be used to pull yourself up. 
Source : Everyday health 

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