How This Simple Product Helps Me Grasp Life with Inflammatory Arthritis

Lid grippers — a piece of textured rubber — are mighty. When my hands are weak and stiff, they help me with everyday tasks.

When I first received my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis at age 10, the doctors sent me home with a bag of paperwork and little gadgets to help me.

Among the gadgets was a rubber lid gripper. It was circular in shape and very lightweight. I didn’t think it would be a necessary tool for me, but as my finger pain got worse and my hands grew weaker, I started using it more and more. I have now used it consistently for 27 years!

My original one wore out, so I purchased several others like this on Amazon, and they have been great. I keep them around the house, so I always have one available.

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What exactly is a lid gripper?

Lid grippers, or jar openers, are a lightweight piece of textured rubber or silicone that help your hands and fingers grip things like lids.

If you have arthritic symptoms in your hands and fingers causing weakness or stiffness, gripping certain things might be difficult.

A lid gripper allows you to get a good grip on surfaces without having to squeeze as hard due to the texture.

Beyond gripping lids, what else can it do?

I use my lid gripper for all sorts of things, such as:

• opening lids for jars or drinks
• gripping small utensils that my hands can’t grasp easily
• opening door knobs when my fingers are weak
• doing up the zipper on jackets or clothing

I also take it outside to grip things like outdoor faucets when I am having trouble turning them on. It can help with so many tasks that involve using your hands.

If I use my lid gripper, I can usually do just about anything I need to without asking for help.

Another bonus for a lid gripper is to use it as a coaster for drinks. I keep one in my office and use it as a coaster when it isn’t in use.

Not only does it keep condensation from getting on my desk, it also doesn’t affect the texture of the gripper. It also means I always have one near to help me when I might need it.

Grabbing life by the hands with these grippers

If you struggle with arthritic weakness and pain in your fingers or hands, you should keep one of these lid grippers around. They don’t take up any space and they come in handy for so many tasks. I use mine almost daily.