Arthritis

6 Types Of Assistive Devices For Ankylosing Spondylitis

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. This disease causes inflammation and swelling in the joints and bones of the lower back and the spine. It can cause the bones to fuse over time, resulting in a hunched back. If the ribs are also affected, it makes it difficult to breathe deeply. It affects men more than women, beginning in early adulthood. The following are some of the most common AS symptoms: 

• Tiredness 
• Swelling in the joints 
• Pain and stiffness in: 
  • Lower back and spine 
  • Neck 
  • Shoulders 
  • Hips 
  • Rib cage 
  • Legs 
• The spine may become rigid and curve forward 
• Intense pain in the morning or after sitting for long hours 

The symptoms vary from person to person. They appear between the ages of 17 and 45, but there is a probability of developing it in younger children or older adults, too. 

Ankylosing Spondylitis Causes

Researchers are unsure about the exact cause but think it is passed on through genes. According to an article by NIH, more than 90% of people with AS possess a human leukocyte antigen – B gene, which makes a protein called HLA-B27. This protein increases the risk of getting this disease. Doctors believe HLA-B27 tells the immune system to fight some bacteria in the body, and AS symptoms are set off during this process. 

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment

Although there is no cure for the disease, as it is a lifelong condition, the following treatments can help with the condition

• Exercise:Engaging in regular activity and avoiding inactivity when possible is important as it will only increase pain.    
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Doctors may suggest using NSAIDs to ease pain and inflammation. 
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) Reduce the immune system's response, reducing pain and inflammation. 
• Corticosteroids: These are injected to reduce pain and inflammation. 
• Healthy diet: Consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is advisable for better health. 
• Avoid smoking: Smoking should be avoided as it causes inflammation.    

6 Types of Assistive Devices for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Performing routine tasks becomes challenging when your spine is not in good shape. Certain assistive devices for ankylosing spondylitis can help you achieve these chores without putting too much pressure on the joints. 

1. Handrails and Walking Aids

If you face trouble walking around the house, handrails and walking aids are safe options. Handrails provide adequate support while entering or exiting any room. They also help with sitting down or standing up. Walking aids, like a walker or a cane, help ensure balance while you move, prevent falling, and take the weight away from your body. The use of ankylosing spondylitis wheelchair can greatly improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with advanced AS condition or other mobility-limiting conditions. Some of the top handrails and walking aids are:

• BedCane Bed Rail

This bed rail provides adequate support for the user to stand or sit on a bed. It is made of steel, has a powder-coated finish, and has padded gripping. The rail's height is adjustable to suit the user's needs. The bed rail is also easy to carry during travel as it can be easily folded. 

• UpWalker Walking Aid – Upright Walker 

To help seniors and those with mobility challenges regain activity and independence, UpWalker Walking Aid is a breakthrough in mobility. It has padded sit-to-stand handles, brakes, a seat, and eight-inch wheels. The armrests are height adjustable, and the walker is easily foldable for travel. 

2. Raised Seats  

Ankylosing spondylitis affects the lower back the most, making sitting and getting up troublesome and exerting a lot of pressure on the hips and other joints. A raised toilet seat increases the height of the toilet seat and decreases the distance to sit. Some of the best-raised toilet seats are: 

• Essential Medical Toilet Seat Riser with Removable Arms

This easy-to-install seat increases the toilet seat's height by three and a half inches, making it less painful for the user to sit down. It has padded removable arms, making getting on or off the seat more secure. It is made of plastic and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. 

• Mabis DMI Vinyl Cushion Toilet Seat 

The Mabis DMI Vinyl Cushion Toilet Seat is the answer for those looking for extra comfort while sitting down. It is made of foam padding and upholstered in vinyl. It provides extra comfort and minimizes pressure points. It can be attached to the seat with hook and loop straps. 

3. Reachers 

Reachers come with a long handle and a gripping tool at the end. These assistive devices for ankylosing spondylitis enable the user to grab objects placed at a height that is too low or difficult to reach due to discomfort. Some of our top-selling reachers are: 

• Aluminum Reacher with Magnetic Tip 

The USP of this reacher is that it comes with a magnetic tip, enabling the user to pick up metal objects and paper clips easily. The extra long length prevents the user from bending and avoids causing any pain. It helps pick up things behind or under the bed, furniture, shelves, and other places. 

• Lightweight Aluminum Reacher

This lightweight aluminum reacher is easy to use, especially for hard-to-reach products. This latex-free hand reacher has a magnetic tip and can pick up light to medium-heavy objects. It is ideal for those who have undergone surgery.   

4. Braces and Splints 

Your doctor may advise using a brace or splint to support the back. Ankylosing Spondylitis back brace reduces pressure from the back, relieves lower back pain, and grips the abdomen to release tension from the lumbosacral region. 

• FLA Orthopedics Original Cincher Back Support 

This brace is designed especially for women and supports the lower back. It fits properly and emphasizes more on spinal alignment. The power mesh fabric helps to manage comfort while wearing the brace. The vertical support elements provide compression to the lower back areas. 

5. Zipper Pulls and Button Aids 

Adaptive Zipper pulls make pulling a zipper up or down easier without any pain. Button aids help in removing a button through the hole. Both these ankylosing spondylitis aids are good to use if there is severe joint pain. 

• Button Aid with Zipper Pull

This product has a zipper pull and button aid combined in one. On one end, it has a grooved handle that is easy to grip and a hook on the other to pull a zipper up or down seamlessly. It is useful for anybody with limited dexterity, hand tremors, or arthritis.  

6. Grips

Opening a jar or a utensil becomes easier with rubber or soft plastic grips as they make grabbing objects easy. 

• Adjustable Gripping Tool

This gripping tool is made of durable plastic with texturized rubber jaws. This product is ideal for people with arthritis, a weak grip, or limited motor coordination. It fits items up to 3.25 inches wide. 

Our back is our support system! Ensuring its health and stability is a top priority. While these ankylosing spondylitis products reduce the strain on your back and joints, it is always advised to consult your healthcare provider if pain and symptoms increase.  

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.