Do you know someone who has arthritis?

Nearly 55 million adults suffer from this condition according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which makes it likely that most people know one or more people who suffer from swelling or tenderness in one or more joints.

The two most common forms of the disease are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The first refers to a condition in which the cartilidge between bones begins to break down while the second is a condition that is characterized by the immune system attacking the joints.

 

What to Gift to Someone With Arthritis This Year

Arthritis Symptoms

 

 

People who have arthritis may experience symptoms such as:

• Decreased range of motion;
• Pain;
• Stiffness;
• Swelling; and
• Redness.

These symptoms may be felt in any joint. The hands are among the most common part of the body to suffer from arthritis, but this condition may appear in the wrists, elbows, knees, ankles or elsewhere.

 

What Causes Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis almost always arises thanks to wear and tear on the joints.

A family history of the disease, age, gender, an earlier injury to the joint and obesity all are factors that may affect a person’s likelihood of being diagnosed with arthritis.

 

No Cure For Arthritis

At this point, there is no cure for this disease so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the function of the affected joint or joints.

Doctors may prescribe pain medication or recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

In addition, most people with arthritis are advised to take steps at home to alleviate the condition. These may include regular exercise and the use of hot and cold compresses.

Because arthritis is such a widespread problem, many companies have come up with innovative equipment and devices that are designed to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

 

Fitness Gift Ideas For Arthritis Sufferers

This list below contains thoughtful gift ideas for loved ones who suffer from arthritis. Ranging from small and affordable to relatively large pieces of home exercise equipment, there is something here for every budget and situation.

Let’s take a look at some of the best fitness gift ideas for arthritis sufferers.

 

1. Hand Grip Strengthener, Finger Exercise, Grip Strength Trainer

 

This is a set of six colorful hand grip strengthening tools. Each one is made of high-quality silicone, which is durable and not easy to damage.

Although these tools look deceptively simple, they can be used to strengthen the wrists while also improving finger dexterity.

Sufferers of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis will find that these tools present them with a great opportunity to recover range of motion and strength.

The package includes three finger stretchers and three hand grips. Each piece is color coded with green designating the beginner and orange for those who have developed some serious grip strength and dexterity.

Accordingly, the green grip strengthener gives you 30 pounds of resistance, the blue one provides 40 pounds and the orange one gives you 50 pounds.

Similarly, the stretchers are rated at 6.6 pounds, 8.8 pounds and 11 pounds.

These tools are small enough to easily carry anywhere, so they are perfect for arthritis sufferers who are always on the go.

 

2. RangeMaster BlueRanger Shoulder Pulley with Patient Guide

 

People who are looking to maintain or improve range of motion will love this handy piece of equipment.

Specifically aimed at exercising the shoulder joint, this tool uses pulleys and gravity to increase blood flow and range of motion. Basically, it’s a passive exercise that promotes healing.

The equipment works on the principal that the shoulder is a self-lubricating joint. However, a lack of motion means that there is a shortage of lubrication.

This shoulder pulley helps the user make smooth movements that will help the shoulder to lubricate itself.

This equipment includes a custom-designed pulley that features a housing coating with zinc that helps it to resist deformation.

The handles are cleated and easily adjustable with 85 inches of cord. A metal bracket is attached and goes over the top of almost any door.

The tool can be used while seated or standing. The user may want to follow exercises as prescribed by their physician or physical therapist, but the manufacturer also provides instructions.

 

3. Therabath Professional Thermotherapy Paraffin Bath

 

This arthritis treatment is designed to relieve stiffness in the muscles. It may be used for the hands, feet or other parts of the body that may require soothing.

This is a deep immersion paraffin wax spa that is deeper than earlier models made by the manufacturer.

This makes it easier to submerge elbows and ankles with ease. Therapists have long used warm paraffin wax as a treatment for arthritis, but now you can experience in your home thanks to this relatively affordable model.

The tank is made of anodized aluminum that is lightweight yet durable. It’s also very energy efficient.

The Always Safe Temperature Range feature means that you can leave your paraffin bath operating 24 hours a day without concern.

Keep in mind that this is a commercial-quality machine that is designed for home use. This means that you can trust it to work extraordinarily well and last a long time.

To make the experience even more enjoyable, you can select from a dozen paraffin fragrances.

In addition to soothing sore, stiff joints and muscles, paraffin baths also help to increase range of motion, provide deep hydration and soothe the skin.

 

4. Lunix LX3 Cordless Electric Hand Massager with Compression

 

The hands frequently take the brunt of the punishment from arthritis, but this equipment helps to relieve that.

This machine relies on acupressure technology to bring relief for pain in the fingers, palms and wrists.

With levels of adjustable massage intensity, it is possible for the user to set this equipment to provide just the right amount of pressure.

While massaging, this machine also provides soothing to heat relieve stiffness.

This is a cordless massager, and one charge is sufficient for hours of use. It’s big enough to accommodate any hand size yet small and light enough to be portable.

In fact, it comes with a free travel bag, a USB charging cable and a user manual. The manufacturer throws in a finger massager that can be used anytime, anywhere.

 

5. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Topical Arthritis Pain Relief

 

This two pack of pain-relief gel is just what arthritis sufferers need. Apply in the morning to relieve stiffness, before and after working out and in the evening to help with relaxing before bed.

A non-greasy formula, this can be smoothed all over the hands without interfering with any activities.

It contains diclofenac sodium to help actually relieve pain right where it hurts rather than simply masking the pain.

With this single product, it is possible to relieve joint pain, improve mobility and reduce stiffness in any arthritic joint in the body.

Choose this pain-relief gel because it doesn’t have an odor, doesn’t stain clothes and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It’s also incredibly effective.

 

6. Comfy Brace Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves

 

These comfortable fingerless gloves are surprisingly breathable, and the moisture-wicking fabric makes these gloves winners in any weather.

For easing muscle tension in the hands, there is scarcely a better product.

Order small, medium or large gloves to get just the right fit. They are made from spandex and cotton and don’t have any seams for the ultimate in comfort.

Offering continuous compression, users will feel immediate relief as soon as they slip these gloves on their hands.

Because they are fingerless, these gloves can be worn while doing just about any activity. Alternatively, they can be worn while relaxing to offer joint and muscle relief at any time.

It’s a lot like giving your hands a warm and soothing bear hug as long as you wear them.

Plus, because they are a discreet gray color, you can wear them practically anywhere without calling unnecessary attention to yourself.

 

7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine Glider

 

Staying mobile is key to alleviating the debilitating symptoms of arthritis. This machine allows for a full body, low impact workout that is ideal for people with this condition.

It’s an affordable price and doesn’t take up a lot of room so it’s ideal for practically any home.

Equipped with an abdominal pad, this machine helps the user to feel supported and comfortable throughout every exercise session.

A digital monitor helps to keep track of steps, calories and time spent.

Thanks to the innovative design of this equipment, anyone can get an aerobic workout that mimics walking, running and even cross-country skiing.

Every workout is low impact, which is ideal for the inflamed joints of arthritis sufferers.

The pedals are non-slip for safer use, and the exerciser has the opportunity to enjoy anything from a slow walk to a flat-out run.

This machine offers a full body workout as it works both the upper and lower body while also exercising the heart.

When the machine is not being used, it easily can be folded up and stowed away.

The handlebars are ergonomic, making them comfortable to use, and the abdominal cushion is adjustable for users of any height.

With this machine, it is possible for people with arthritis to exercise no matter what the weather is like outdoors.

Plus, it’s possible to watch television or listen to music while working out.

 

8. Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine for Home Workout

 

This mini elliptical machine is the ideal solution for the person who doesn’t have much storage space.

It fits neatly under a desk so that it can be used while working or engaging in any fun hobby. Plus, the Cubii JR1 is incredibly quiet when in operation.

This makes it easy to enjoy reading, watching a favorite movie or listening to music while getting a workout.

This low impact exercise machine features eight levels of resistance so that the user has the option of making their workout as challenging or as easy as they like.

A built-in LCD monitor tracks data such as number of strides, distance traveled, calories burned and even more.

Thanks to this machine, it’s incredibly easy to burn calories and maintain mobility.

The Cubii JR1 is designed to be used while seated, which may be perfect for people with mobility issues.

As an added inducement, purchasing this equipment leads to membership in the Cubii Communitii.

This online group offers support and connection for anyone who uses Cubii exercise equipment.

 

9. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

 

This versatile low impact exercise machine can easily give arthritis sufferers a full body workout.

Use it to target just the legs, just the arms or both at once. Depending upon how you grip the handles, you can work the chest and back, the triceps or the biceps.

The Teeter Freestep is meant to be used while seated. Adjust the seat to make it comfortable for a wide variety of users.

Equipped with transport wheels, it’s possible to move the machine around for convenient storage.

Other notable features include the SoftStep Pedals that are designed for improved traction and SureGrip Handles that are firm yet comfortable to hold even for arthritic hands.

A quiet linkage system enables use at any hour, and variable resistance means that users can dial up the intensity whenever they are looking for a greater challenge.

As the user pedals and moves their hands and arms back and forth, they burn considerable calories while also maintaining range of motion.

This is the kind of exercise machine that is found in physical therapy clinics across the country, but it’s possible to have this one in your own home.

 

Related: Check Out Our Full Review of the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer here.

 

10. Hydrow Rower

 

Many people prefer a rowing motion to walking, running or elliptical movements. Fortunately, rowing is an excellent method of exercise for people with arthritis.

The Hydrow Rower admittedly is a more expensive option, but those who are determined to maintain flexibility, range of motion and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis will find that this machine is the ideal solution.

This is a well-designed, sleek exercise machine that is built to successfully mimic the feel of rowing on the water.

Complete with a 22-inch full color touchscreen display, the machine even has front-facing speakers. The screen is easy to see as you row so that you can keep track of every metric.

The Hydrow Rower features a computer-controlled, electromagnetic drag mechanism that’s already received a patent.

It is so carefully designed that rowing on this machine is the closest thing available to actually being on the water.

Adding to the elegance of this exercise equipment is its silent operation. You can use this machine while the whole house sleeps without disturbing anyone.

The seat is surprisingly comfortable and operates on a system of 10 rollers that are ergonomically designed.

You’ll be able to enjoy any length of workout thanks to the comfort of this seat.

 

Related: Check Out Our Full Review of the Hydrow Rower here.

 

Relief for Arthritis Sufferers

Arthritis is an incredibly common and debilitating condition. In fact, it is so prevalent that most people have at least one family member who has lived with this illness for many years.

While there is no cure for arthritis, there are numerous products available today that are designed to soothe arthritis symptoms.

No matter which joints in the body are affected, there is at least one remedy that is designed to help reduce inflammation, stiffness and pain.

From providing improved mobility in the fingers to helping the arthritis sufferer to keep exercising, these thoughtful gifts are bound to make life easier for a loved one who is living with painful, inflamed joints.