16 Easy Home Upgrades That Can Make Life With Arthritis Much More Comfortable

That’s why we’ve gathered home products that reviewers with arthritis say make daily life easier and more comfortable — and may even improve overall quality of life. Here are their top picks.

These gentle compression gloves are made to help ease arthritis pain. An orthopedic surgeon previously told HuffPost that a similar style may provide some symptom relief. Their contoured, snug fit is designed to support circulation and comfort, while the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric helps keep hands cool. The fingerless design also helps preserve range of motion. They come in four sizes.

Promising review: “Great find! At 70 years old, I still want to work and arthritis has taken up residence in my hands. These gloves have allowed me to continue on the keyboard with much less discomfort. They provide comfortable support without being too restrictive. I’ve tried other gloves, some quickly fall apart or have rough edges that are irritating on the skin. These are the best I've found. Plus, I love being able to buy quality products from a female-owned business!” —MSE

Get them from Amazon for $15.97.

For people whose arthritis affects the spine, this bestselling belted back brace is worth a look. Reviewers say it brings “instant relief” and call it a “true blessing.”

The brace combines firm support with breathable, flexible mesh to stabilize the back while still allowing comfortable movement. A removable lumbar pad adds extra support when needed.

It is also slim enough to wear under clothing if you prefer a less bulky option.

The brace is available in three colors and sizes XS–XXL.

Promising review: “This belt works !! I suffer from chronic lower back pain-- Mild scoliosis, arthritis of spine, spinal bone spurs, and a few compressed discs thrown in for good measure. I have been using this belt for approx 3 weeks for all my outdoor work in my yard--planting, digging , loading into truck--anything which might put stress on my back. It is amazing how much more work I can get done without pain that lays me up for a day or 2 after the work. I have tried it on the golf driving range, and again it is terrific. It is easy to adjust, and after a couple of times wearing it I got to feel what the right amount of compression was. I have had a couple of other belts, but they just didn't provide the support this Sparthos does. I wish I had found it long ago. I'm 75 years old. If you want to stay active, and have a cranky back, try this one.” —JFG

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+.

Made with high-density memory foam, this ergonomic seat cushion is designed to help relieve pressure in the tailbone, legs, and hips while supporting better posture. It is also easy to carry, so you can use it in the car, on the couch, or on a plane. The cover is machine-washable, and it comes in three styles plus a gel-infused version.

Promising review: “First let me say I’m not even in my 40s yet and I already have 2 bulging discs and arthritis and severe stenosis from 10 years of a desk job. I have tried everything! I was talking otc pain medicine every 4 hours, using a tens machine, going to chiro and ortho, spending money on pain creams and desk chairs and standing desks. I read all of the reviews and saw that most everyone talked about lower back pain but I have neck and mid back pain so I was worried this would be more wasted money but I was desperate. Let me just say that this cushion has changed my quality of work/life! I am only taking medicine twice a day now and I can finish my work and get off and still feel good enough to do my house work as well. It’s a life saver and who would’ve thought that a simple seat cushion would be the solution! Try it, you won’t be sorry!” —T.Rodgers

Get them from Amazon: the standard version for $47.99+ and the gel-infused version for $63.99+.

This thick ergonomic floor mat can help ease pressure on the spine, knees, and joints thanks to its cushioned foam core. For people who spend long hours on their feet, it is meant to reduce pain from arthritis and fatigue. It is available in multiple sizes and colors, and also in two-packs.

Promising reviews: “I have had many anti fatigue mats as I have arthritis, but I can say that the Sky Solutions mats are the best ones I have ever had. So comfortable, lightweight, and blend very well with my home colors.” —Interested researcher

“As I have arthritis in my feet and knees, I have been looking for a mat for relief in front of my stove and cooking area. I wanted a 3/4 in mat and finally chose this one. I'm SO happy. I can really tell a difference! So soft and spongy, but supportive. Love the length! Now I need a smaller one for in front of my sink. Would love to try a one inch!” —Denise Bowen

Get it from Amazon for $44.99+.

This reviewer-favorite food chopper slices fruits and vegetables with a simple opening and closing motion, making meal prep easier, less painful, and less time-consuming for people with arthritis. It also lets you cut food directly into the storage container. Beyond chopping, it includes spiralizer blades, a julienne cutter, and a ribbon cutter. It is dishwasher-safe, too.

The chopper has more than 84,000 5-star ratings and comes in several sizes and colors.

Promising review: “This is my second time to purchase this same product! This little gadget has become an absolute staple in my kitchen. I suffer with arthritis and carpal tunnel in my hands so chopping was extremely painful for me. Now that I have my handy chopper I don’t worry about chopping veggies anymore! Cleaning is super easy as well, another plus!” —Samanthak1306

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+.

Made with cooling memory foam, this soft yet sturdy ergonomic footrest is meant to support the lower back, knees, and legs while sitting, helping ease pressure from inflamed joints or arthritis. Available in two colors, it can also improve posture — and you can flip it over to use it as a foot rocker.

Promising review: “I have psoriatic arthritis and struggle with hip/lumbar pain and occasional plantar fasciitis. This foot rest is SO comfortable and feels like a luxury mattress for my feet. The memory foam is firm enough to keep you supported and aligned, but cushioned enough for all day comfort. Don't spend more money on something overpriced from Sharper Image- this product is legit.” —AG

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+.

Clip this bestselling hands-free phone holder to a table, headboard, or chair, and its flexible but sturdy gooseneck lets you text, video chat, watch movies, and read at eye level without hand fatigue or pain.

Reviewers call it a “third hand” and say it is one of the best gadgets they have ever bought.

Promising reviews: “I use it when watching movies on my phone. I have arthritis in my hands and they tend to go numb when I hold things for more than 15 minutes. Very strong and very stable, perfect size for my cell phone.” —Sherry423

“This little gem is perfect for people who have arthritis in their hands. I read on my phone and this holder is absolutely perfect and it cuts down on the stress to my hands.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three colors).

This lightweight LED light is worn around the neck so you can read or work with both hands free. Reviewers say it is light enough that it does not bother their arthritis. It is rechargeable and features bendable adjustable arms plus six brightness settings. It is also useful for knitting, crafting, home repairs, and more. The light comes in five colors and two sizes.

Promising reviews: “Very comfortable, sitting up, reclining or laying down. The lights stay in place where I need them, and they are great if you need to walk around in the dark hands free. Another perk is the light adds zero weight to your books, which can get heavy and cumbersome for people with arthritis.” —Suzi

“Words cannot describe how much I LOVE this product!!! The 3 brightness levels are awesome and I also love the 3 different light colors, depending on what you are using it for. I purchased mine for reading but I have found that it comes in handy in a variety of ways, especially being a night owl and the only one up at night. I was worried about having anything hanging around my neck because I have arthritis and pinched nerves, but this light truly is lightweight like described. I forget sometimes that I even have it on! Definitely one of the best purchases I've ever made!” —Amy Brackins

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+.

Reading on a Kindle or iPad is convenient, but it can still be hard to hold a tablet for long periods or keep tapping and swiping to turn pages.

This remote page-turner solves that problem by making each page flip easy and convenient. Reviewers with arthritis say the tiny device is a game-changer because it lets them sit or lie down comfortably without having to reach for the screen each time.

You can also buy it in cute colors like pink, blue, and green.

Promising review: “I've been praying for something like this for years. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my hands have really poor circulation so they are cold a lot. So now with my kindle I can keep my hands under my electric blanket and read and still turn the pages. It works so well.” —aflutterby88

Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in six colors).

This Kitchen Mama can opener was designed to help a family member who was having trouble in the kitchen because of arthritis in her hands. It opens cans automatically with two button taps and leaves edges smooth and free of sharp points. Reviewers with arthritis and grip difficulties call it a gem. It comes in four colors and requires four AA batteries.

Promising review: “This can opener is great because it really does work. Hands free. I can no longer use a hand crank one because of arthritis. Electric ones are too hard to clean. This Kitchen Mama can opener works by placing it on top of the can and pressing the button. It turns itself off when it is finished. I've given this as a gift...it was perfect.” —ali

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

This rechargeable electric lighter is a good option for anyone who has trouble using standard or disposable lighters. It is flameless, easy to use, and simple to recharge. It is also windproof and splash-resistant, making it practical for indoor and outdoor use. Several colors are available.

Promising review: “I was definitely buying this with the expectation that it would not work, but after struggling with regular lighters because of years of arthritis, I had to give it a shot. This definitely lights candles, albeit slowly, charges quickly via usbc, and holds the charge pretty well. The current does have a slightly obnoxious high-pitch noise I didn't consider when purchasing but it's a small price to pay. There's a safety switch that has to be flipped to turn it on, and it times out to prevent overheating. It also came with a slip for a 1 year warranty. If this lasts even 6 months it is well worth the cost, and I will be buying again.” —Tay

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+.

This ergonomic version of a standard mouse is designed to support a more natural hand position — 57 degrees upright — which elevates the wrist and aligns the forearm for a more comfortable desk setup that may not aggravate arthritis or wrist pain. It is quiet, wireless, and available in four colors and in right- or left-handed versions.

Promising review: “I really needed this. I have arthritis in my hand and hours of working on the computer and the mouse were causing me issues. I did a lot of research on ergonomic mice, and this one look like it fit all my check boxes. I was a little concerned that it would be weird to use a mouse like this after 40 years of a regular flat mouse on the mouse pad, but surprisingly it was easier than I thought and I had no problems transitioning to this vertical ergonomic mouse. It feels totally natural. I highly recommend this.” —D. Bowien

Get it from Amazon for $69.99.

This practical one-handed jar opener is made to help open tight jars that can be hard for anyone to access, especially people with arthritis. The bestseller uses a non-slip grip that fits lids of any size, and its durable design is strong enough to handle even factory-sealed lids.

Promising review: “Purchased the jar opener because with arthritis, tendinitis, it is very hard to hold onto a jar and try to open it when you have no strength anymore. Very easy to install under cabinet. Clear instructions help with placement. I like that it not only has adhesive stick but also comes with little screws to secure it to under the cabinet. Yes there are sharp teeth to watch out for, but that adds to how easy it is to open a jar. The teeth grip onto the jar lid, so all you do is hold the middle of the jar and twist. So much easier to have both hands on the jar. When installed under the cabinet, you barely see it. It sits flush with the cabinet. I give it 5 STARS.” —Kathy Bartholomew

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.

If bending down to clean up after your dog is making your back hurt, this swiveling rake scooper offers a simple solution.

The bin-and-rake design lets you collect waste without bending over, handling the dirty work at ground level for you. When you are done, the bin snaps upward so the mess stays inside.

This bestseller has more than 67,000 5-star ratings. It includes the rake and bin, which extends to 32 inches, plus two heavy-duty waste bags.

Promising reviews: “I have arthritis and back issues this is the very best pooper scooper ever! Love it!!!” —Deborah J Ash

“I bought the class clamp one last year and it doesn't scoop everything all the time and if you have arthritis, or carpel tunnel it's painful to constantly squeeze for pick up.

This scoop rake and bucket, soooo much better on clean up, on my hands and storage. It clamps together and has a hang point for both. Love it.” —Pepper Storer

Get it from Amazon for $20.99.

This reviewer-favorite dental flosser uses water to clean between teeth and massage the gums. It can be especially helpful for people with arthritis who may have difficulty handling regular dental floss. Waterpik says it is 50% more effective than floss and can remove up to 99.9% of plaque.

Available in four colors, it is also very easy to use: just fill the reservoir with water and start flossing.

Promising review: “My first Water Pik. It’s a pleasure to use especially if you’re a first timer like me. You can start off with gentle water force and slowly over time increase the level when you gums get accustomed to it. It’s a good size for use at home since it can sit next to a compact sink area. It’s great when traveling since it takes up little space. Water piks clean out the food particles between teeth that a toothbrush misses. It much more fun to use than regular flossing. And when you have arthritis like I have, regular flossing is cumbersome and not really possible. Consequently I didn’t floss. Now I water floss!” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $99.99.

In previous HuffPost coverage, a physical therapist recommended this six-foot stretch strap for gently stretching the legs and upper and lower body after self-massaging. What makes it different from many other stretching tools is its 10 built-in loops, which offer more control and a better grip for people with arthritis or limited hand strength. The loops can also serve as comfortable, grippy holds for your hands and feet.

The tool comes with a stretching exercise booklet and access to a video stretching guide.

Promising review: “Love this strap. I have a terrible grip due to arthritis, so I can't hold regular yoga straps. This strap has all the loops along it for holding it or hooking in a foot. Makes stretching so much easier.” —Ins0mniaxXx

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.