15 Helpful Gift Ideas For People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Help a loved one ease the pain and anguish caused by rheumatoid arthritis with one of these comforting gift ideas.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints, especially in the hands, wrists, feet, elbows, knees and ankles.

And this can make everyday tasks such as working, cooking, and cleaning a real struggle.

As simple things like gripping, twisting and applying force with your hands can feel really difficult, and be borderline impossible at times.

And seeing rheumatoid arthritis affects around 1.5 million people in the United States alone, it's a problem that a lot of people have to live with.

So if you have a loved one that suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, why not get them a gift that can make their lives a little easier?

Because there are plenty of things they can use that will make their daily tasks more manageable.

As well as items to reduce their pain, either through the application of heat to soothe stiff and sore joints, or ice to reduce painful swelling and inflammation.

And while getting someone a gift related to their pain condition isn't particularly sexy, it can actually be a really thoughtful and kind gesture, if it's something they'll use on a daily basis for a long time to come.

So take a look at the following gift ideas for people with rheumatoid arthritis, that can all benefit your loved one in some way.

1. A Pair Of Compression Gloves To Reduce Painful Swelling

The mild compression your hands get when wearing compression gloves brings a soothing warmth to your joints, and is a great way of relieving aches, pains and stiffness in the hands and fingers.

And this compression also helps to reduce swelling in the hands and fingers, which is common among people with rheumatoid arthritis.

As well as increasing circulation to their hands, which helps to deliver the oxygen and nutrients their joints need to heal and stay healthy.

So a pair of compression gloves is an essential item for anyone living with rheumatoid arthritis, which makes them an awesome gift to give.

And for a pair that do a great job check out the Comfy Brace compression arthritis gloves.

These are especially good as they offer a strong compression, yet are comfortable and lightweight, so they can wear them for hours at a time.

And being finger-less means they won't get in the way when they are going about your daily business.

2. A Pair Of Microwaveable Mittens To Soothe Their Aching Hands

A great way to manage chronic rheumatoid arthritis pain is to get some heat into sore and stiff joints, as this heat can reduce stiffness while also increasing circulation and blood flow to the area.

And this heat feels so comforting and soothing too, which can really help them to relax and release any tension and frustration they may be holding within.

So the next gift idea for someone with rheumatoid arthritis is to get them a pair of microwaveable therapy mittens.

As these mittens can be heated up and worn to soothe aching hands and wrists when a flare up occurs, bringing them some much needed relief and comfort.

3. A Weighted Heating Pad For Soothing Relief

A great way to manage chronic rheumatoid arthritis pain is to get some heat into your sore and stiff joints.

As this heat can reduce stiffness, while also increasing circulation and blood flow to the area.

And it feels so comforting and soothing too, which can really help you to relax and release any tension and frustration you may be holding within.

Another way people who have rheumatoid arthritis get some much needed heat into their aching joints is by using electric heating pads.

As they can wrap one of these pads around whichever joint or part of the body is feeling stiff and sore, and immediately get some warming relief.

And they can also throw these pads over the back their chair or sofa, to get the benefit of the warmth as they relax. 

So why not treat your loved one to a new electric heating pad such as the iReliev weighted heating pad.

Because as well as delivering  great heat via 3 heat settings, and being flexible enough to wrap around any area of the body, this heating pad is also weighted.

Meaning it gives them a therapeutic gentle pressure at the same time as the heat, which will also help to ease their pain.

4. A Heated Foot Spa For Happier Feet

It's not just your hands and fingers that suffer when you have rheumatoid arthritis, as your feet, toes and ankles can also feel stiff, sore and painful.

And when you're feeling that pain in your feet, it can be a great idea to apply some heat to try and reduce the stiffness.

Now you can do this in a number of ways, such as by wearing heated socks or warm slippers.

But one way that also makes a great gift option is with a heated foot bath.

As resting your feet in the continuously warm water will help your aching muscles and joints to relax, while the massaging jets and rollers bring you pain relief.

So check out the Wahl therapeutic heated foot spa, as this one has an extra deep tub, meaning they can get their ankles in there too.

And it has bubble jets that provide a jacuzzi like effect that stimulates blood flow to the feet, and leaves them feeling much better about life.

5. A Reusable Ice Pack To Reduce Swelling

While applying heat to chronically sore and stiff joints is a great way to help to relieve pain and reduce stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis, it's not the way to go for fresh pain.

Because when you have a new acute flare of pain, this is usually caused by swelling and inflammation.

And when that's the case, you need to apply ice to the area rather than heat, as this reduces the swelling and fights the inflammation.

So getting them an ice pack to help reduce painful inflammation in their joints can be a really useful gift idea.

And some good ones to go for are the Chattanooga ColPac reusable gel ice packs.

As they come in a variety of sizes and are pliable enough to wrap around whichever joint is causing them problems.

And they stay ice cold for up to 30 minutes when taken out of the freezer, giving them plenty of time to work their magic.

6. Cold Therapy Socks For Cooling Relief

A great way to get ice cold therapy that is specific to the feet, is with a pair of these NatraCure Cold Therapy Socks.

And they make a really nice gift to give someone with rheumatoid arthritis, as they are really comfortable to slip on and wear.

Plus they also have pockets into which they can put gel packs that they've kept frozen in the freezer.

So there's a space to place a gel pack in the base of the sock that covers the whole length of the sole of their foot.

Which will really help to cool their whole foot down and send the cold signals radiating upwards.

And there are two extra pockets to place smaller gel packs, one behind the heel and one over the toes, which is perfect for when their toes are swollen and feeling inflamed.

So these cold therapy socks are a great thing for someone with rheumatoid arthritis to have around to help manage acute flares in their feet and ankles.

7. An Automatic Jar Opener To Save Their Wrists

Gripping, twisting, and applying pressure with the hands, fingers and wrists can be really problematic for people living with rheumatoid arthritis.

And one of the biggest gripes for any sufferer is not being able to open jars and lids, as they simply can't grip with the strength needed, let alone twist to get the thing off.

So getting them an automatic jar opener for their kitchen is a really thoughtful and helpful gift idea.

And a great choice for that is the Black & Decker Lids Off Jar Opener.

As all they need to do is place their jar on the turntable, lower the top of the machine to rest on the lid, then push the go button.

And just like magic the lid is off, without causing them any pain or frustration.

8. A Food Processor For Easier Cooking Prep

Another problem people with rheumatoid arthritis have in the kitchen in slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables when preparing meals.

As the motor movements and force needed to do this can prove a real struggle.

So a useful gift idea is to get them a food processor that can do all the dicing and chopping for them.

And a particularly good one for people with rheumatoid arthritis is the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor.

As unlike many other food processors, this one has a stacking construction.

So rather than having to twist to lock things into place, you simply stack each compartment down on top of each other and snap the locks to secure them.

Which is great as it's much easier on their hands and wrists.

And getting chopped vegetables at the push of a button is much better than having to do all the knife work themselves.

9. An Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook For Helpful Meals

Taking control of your diet can be a massive help to people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

As certain foods can be a cause of inflammation within the body and make arthritis flare ups more painful and more regular.

So gifting an RA sufferer The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners cookbook is a top gift idea.

As this is full of delicious meals they can prepare to try to keep their pain at bay.

10. A Set Of Easy Grip Cups To Avoid Drops And Spills

If you have a loved one with rheumatoid arthritis, then you'll probably know that gripping things like cups and mugs can sometimes be difficult for them.

And this can lead to drops and spills that can be dangerous, especially when drinking hot drinks like tea and coffee.

So how about getting them some easy grip cups instead, such as the Marusya Non-Slip Easy Grip Cups.

As these come with a textured indentation on each side that make them easy to hold, and greatly reduce the strain and pressure on their hands and fingers.

And they've been designed with the help of rheumatologists, occupational therapists, and hand therapists, so they're ideal for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

11. A Pain Management Journal To Keep Track Of Their Symptoms

Living with a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis is extremely tough physically, but it can also take it's toll mentally and emotionally too.

As living in constant pain is going to get to even the strongest of people after a while.

And this can lead to serious problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression, that can all contribute to their pain and stiffness levels.

However, studies have found that one way they can manage their pain better and lower stress levels is by keeping a pain journal.

As this allows them to track their pain levels day to day, which can help them identify any pain triggers and habits that need changing.

So gifting someone with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management Journal is a great idea, if you think they will use of it.

As this one helps them stay in a positive frame of mind by giving them mindfulness exercises to do, gratitude prompts, and throwing in the occasional inspiring quote.

Plus they can keep track of their symptoms, which can be useful to show their doctor during check ups.

So a pain journal can be a really thoughtful stocking stuffer that will help someone manage their rheumatoid arthritis better. 

12. A Heated Mattress Pad For Night Time Comfort 

It's during sleep that your body gets the chance to rest, recover, and regenerate from the previous days strains and stresses.

And while getting good quality sleep is important for us all, it's even more important for people who suffer from chronic pain.

As not getting this restorative sleep is only going to make their conditions worse.

But unfortunately for people with rheumatoid arthritis, the pains and stiffness in their joints can make sleep hard to come by.

So how about giving them a helping hand with the gift of a heated mattress pad, such as the one above from Sunbeam.

As this will allow them to get soothing heat for their joints throughout the night, which will help them to relax and drift off.

And this mattress pad is especially good as it has 10 different heat settings, meaning they'll be sure to find one that they're comfortable with.

Which is important to stop them overheating in bed.

So if you want to help a loved one with rheumatoid arthritis wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed in the morning, rather than stiff and sore, consider getting them one of these heated mattress pads.

13. A Pack Of Epsom Salts For Bath Time

One of the easiest and most relaxing ways to get some heat into stiff and aching joints is by having a nice warm bath.

As the moist heat from the bath water can really penetrate deep into the muscles, tissues and joints, working to relax them. 

And it'll also stimulate blood flow and circulation, meaning the body can deliver oxygen and nutrients freely to any areas that need to heal and repair.

While the soothing heat helps you to switch off mentally too, slowing your breathing down and putting you into a calm state, which will also allow you to sleep well afterwards.

So taking a bath on a regular basis is a good pain management tactic for people with rheumatoid arthritis, and it's even better if you add some epsom bath salts to the water.

As they contain magnesium sulfate that amplify all these health benefits even further.

So getting them a pack of Epsoak epsom bath salts is a really nice stocking stuffer that can help them to make the most out of bath times.

14. Pay For A Regular House Cleaning Service

Household chores can be a real nightmare for someone with rheumatoid arthritis.

Because the pain and stiffness in their hands, wrists, and elbows can turn it into such an arduous and painful task.

And the big problem is that these chores never go away, as there will always be something that needs doing.

Which can be a really daunting thought, and one that fills them with dread when they know just what a struggle it's going to be.

So one of the most thoughtful and helpful gifts you could buy for someone with rheumatoid arthritis, is to pay for a regular house cleaning service for them.

As this would take a lot of pressure and worry away from them, and make their daily life so much easier and more manageable.

However, before buying someone a gift like this you need to make sure you know the person well enough.

As it's a pretty personal gift to give, and you need to know it's a gift that they'd be happy to accept without feeling offended.

But if that's not a problem, then it's a gift that might just be more helpful than any other.

15. A T-Shirt That Reflects How Strong You Know They Are

Having a loved one suffer with rheumatoid arthritis pain is heartbreaking to see, and if you do then you'll know just how strong they have to be to be able to manage it.

So this final rheumatoid arthritis gift idea is one that will let them know just how proud you are of them, and that is to get them the Rheumatoid Arthritis fighter t-shirt.

As this t-shirt conveys a powerful message including the rheumatoid arthritis ribbon and is something they can wear with pride and to raise awareness of the condition.

Rounding Up

Getting someone you love a gift related to their rheumatoid arthritis may seem like a strange concept.

But having been around them you will know just what a struggle it can be for them.

As the pain and stiffness in their joints never truly goes away, which can make carrying on with their daily tasks so much more difficult.

So buying them a gift that will help to improve their life and make it more manageable can be a really thoughtful thing to do.

And I hope that you've found something among the gift ideas for people with rheumatoid arthritis that I've featured here that will suit them, and be something that they'd appreciate.