Breaking an arm is no fun. Aside from the severe pain that comes with it, it can disrupt your day-to-day activities while making even the simplest of tasks extremely difficult. But hey, here’s the good news: You don’t have to struggle anymore to navigate your everyday tasks. With the right gadgets, your road to recovery can be super convenient while you gain some independence. To make things easier, we’ve collated a list of gadgets to help with broken arms. From practical broken hand tools to high-end tech devices.
1. Adjustable Arm Brace
The very first thing that is needed for a broken bone recovery process is braces, and it's one of the critical gadgets to help with a broken arm. However, you can choose to opt for an adjustable brace. The adjustable arm braces provide the needed support while keeping your arms immobilized. Likewise, if you want it customized to fit your preferences, you can do just that. Most of these adjustable modern braces are made with comfort in mind. They are usually made of breathable fabrics and lightweight materials to prevent extra strain on the arm.
2. Voice-activated Devices
One thing about a broken arm is that there will be reduced hand function. This might be quite tough, especially if it’s the frequently used hand. Thanks to modern tech like voice-activated gadgets, you don’t have to struggle to do your daily tasks. With gadgets like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest, making calls, setting reminders, browsing the net, and even controlling your home devices can be a breeze without having to use your hands. All you have to do is pair your devices with your smartphone assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
3. Ergonomic Mouse or Trackpad
If you’re a tech person or your work requires that you work on computers, then an ergonomic mouse or trackpad might come in handy. While working on a computer with a broken hand is challenging, an ergonomic mouse or trackpad can make things easier. There are different ergonomic mice, such as the vertical mouse, that help you keep your wrist in a normal handshake position without having to strain your arm. There’s also the trackball mouse that has a ball for navigation without even having to move your wrist.
The touchpad mouse, on the other allows you to gain control with just light gestures from your fingers while minimizing the movement of your arms. Ergonomic mouse designs give an overall sense of comfort, making them perfect for prolonged computer use. A good ergonomic mouse brand is the Logitech Lift vertical ergonomic optical mouse, which is under $100. If you’re using a normal mouse, you can buy trackpads to help you relax, and you can go for brands like Apple magic trackpad, which is under $200 on Amazon.
4. One-handed Keyboard
Here’s another one for people who have no choice but to use their computers, and one of the biggest gifts to present to someone with a broken bone or shoulder surgery. A one-handed keyboard like the Redragon wired one-handed mechanical gaming keyboard. It’s a game-changer with minimal effort needed if typing is part of your daily routine. Likewise, it's perfect if you’re trying to balance typing with your broken arm.
A keyboard for one-handed use is so functional that it is designed in compact layouts whereby the keys are rearranged for maximum accessibility with one hand. Not just that, the keyboard comes with customized functions for frequently used shortcuts. It has an overall practicality for when mobility is limited, which is a practical gadget to help with broken arms during your recovery period. Likewise, you can easily reposition this keyboard to suit your comfort level.
5. Armrest Support for Work Desk
Having a broken arm does not stop work from going on. The only thing to do is to find ways to adapt to things until the recovery time is over. An arm support for a work desk can help you adapt to the reality of having a broken arm while you’re on your journey to healing. With a practical arm support brand like the BONTEC armrest support, you can have some support attached to your desk. Not only that, it provides a cushioned platform for your arm while you work. You can maintain proper arm positioning, reduce fatigue, and prevent pressure during long working hours, which is important for quick recovery.
6. Ergonomic Office Chairs
If you want a full ergonomic package to reduce pressure on your arm while boosting productivity, then getting an ergonomic desk chair will do just that for you. It is designed to help you maintain comfort and proper posture, especially when you spend hours in a seated position. An ergonomic desk chair comes with an adjustable armrest to support your injured arm while keeping your shoulder relaxed. It also comes with lumbar support that encourages a natural curve at your lower back while preventing back strain.
Since it’s an ergonomic chair, it’s pretty much adjustable. It gives you the option of customizing it to attain the best and most convenient posture for yourself. A good ergonomic office chair like the TRALT ergonomic desk chair will reduce your risk of developing tension in your shoulders, back, and arm areas.
7. Toilet Aid
While maintaining hygiene is crucial for everyday life, a broken arm might want to be a hindrance to that. However, with toilet aid tools like the Fanwer toilet aid, one of the indispensable gadgets to help with a broken arm, your toilet business can be made easy. It helps secure toilet paper or wipes in place for cleaning, reducing the need for third-party assistance in your business. This discreet device can help with cleaning after using the restroom as they are easy to use and super hygienic. Many of the toilet aid models are foldable and easy to carry around.
8. Electric Toothbrush
It will be surprising that something as normal as brushing your teeth can become a difficult chore with a broken arm. But not to worry, having an electric toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare can make oral hygiene easier and less painful. It’s a great recovery addition that cancels the need for extensive hand movements and has a non-slip grip for better control.
9. Arm Sling
The second option to the adjustable braces is the arm sling, which is very essential for recovery. It provides the support and stability needed for the arm to heal properly. The arm sling comes with adjustable straps giving you the advantage of adjusting it for optimal comfort. It is made of breathable fabrics that prevent sweating and discomfort when you wear it for a long time. Likewise, it also comes with thumb loops that keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling while reducing pressure in the injured area. Wearing the arm sling helps prevent further injuries by limiting movement. A good arm string brand is the Velpeau. It's a string immobilizer that costs about $26 and serves as a support brace for any arm injury.
10. Cast Scratcher
Itching is inevitable when wearing a cast. A cast scratcher is specifically designed to deal with the unbearable itches under your cast. Unlike the regular scratcher, it is designed to be very tiny so that it can easily slide into the cast without damaging the cast or irritating your skin.
11. Anti-slip Mat
An anti-slip mat is a perfect gadget for helping with a broken arm. It helps to ensure stability when prepping meals, using gadgets, or trying to keep an item from falling off the table. You can place one in your kitchen, bath area, or workspace for extra safety and comfort.
12. Arm Compressor
If you're looking forward to a perfect recovery tool, an arm compressor is one of the gadgets to help with a broken arm. This broken arm recovery tool can be used after an arm injury or during rehabilitation from surgery, often recommended by physical therapists. It’s capable of providing relief by stabilizing muscles and improving blood circulation in the arm, which reduces pain and hastens healing. Likewise, it provides gentle pressure to the arm and is often used medically to reduce swelling and provide support. A good compressor massager for arm recovery is the Fist Assist, which costs about $125. Most arm compressors are made of nylon-like or spandex-like materials and it works by putting it across the arm as it applies consistent compression to the arm muscles and tissues.
13. Button and Zipper Puller
Getting dressed and undressing doesn’t have to be like a workout with a broken arm. With a button and zipper pull, you can easily fasten your buttons and zippers without third-party assistance. It’s a simple yet thoughtful gadget to help with broken arm for your daily routine. Likewise, it’s an effective way to regain independence in your daily routine.
14. Knork
This tool is just a combination of knife and fork. It’s an excellent tool for eating with one hand. You don’t have to worry about spilling food or messing up your outfit cause the Knork gives you good coordination for an arm. It’s designed to cut food with ease while eliminating the need for a separate knife while eating. This is especially helpful for meals that require slicing, like meat or vegetables. You can get the Matte 20-piece flatware set for less than $60 on Amazon.
15. Reacher Grabber Tool
The reacher grabber tool is one of the perfect gadgets to help with broken arms that help pick up objects without bending or strain. It’s an extendable gadget with a gripping claw that makes it easier to grab items off shelves or from the floor. You can choose the RMS 34-inch extra-long reacher grabber or any grabber that provides comfort and efficiency.
16. Jar Openers
Opening jars can be an impossible task when dealing with limited arm mobility caused by a broken arm. An ergonomic jar opener like Otstar or OXO jar opener can be a lifesaver for such situations. This simple home gadget comes in different types, such as the electric or automatic jar openers that work with a battery to function and also the rubber grips that provide stability and extra friction to twist the lid open. Finally, the mounted jar openers can be installed under the countertop. All they do is hold the jar steady while you twist; an example is the EZ off jar opener. All of these jar openers can help reduce strain with little arm strength to get the job done, hence making daily tasks like kitchen affairs easy to navigate.
17. Back Scratcher
As humans, we get itchy from time to time, especially the back area. Trying to reach your back while wearing a cast might not be possible and not advisable. But what if the cast-free hand can’t get the job done? Well, that is where the back scratcher comes into play. A back scratcher provides safe relief without risking damage to your cast or skin. You should go for something flexible or with an extendable handle for better reach.
18. Toilet Aid
To avoid straining your hands, you can get a phone holder that helps keep your phone in place. Since holding a phone can be quite stressful with a broken arm, you can get an adjustable desk or bed mount that keeps your phone secure. With that, you can watch videos, browse the net, scroll through social media, and do anything you want to do on your phone while keeping your phone and arm safe. You can get the Miracase brand for $15 which is one of the best gadgets under $25.
19. Shower Chair
Still on hygiene, you need all the support and stability you can get while bathing. This is what makes a shower chair one of the practical gadgets to help with a broken arm. A shower chair with an armrest is helpful for balancing while you have your bath in a seated position. You can get the Medline shower chair with a padded armrest and backrest. You can also get an anti-slip mat to prevent any form of fall.
20. Arm Wedge Elevation Pillow
Recovery is something anyone with a broken arm looks forward to. With an arm wedge elevation pillow, the broken arm can be well-rested while reducing swelling and improving blood circulation. You can use it while sleeping, reading, working, or watching TV to maintain a comfortable posture. An arm-wedged elevation pillow should be one of your must-have recovery kits. Often, the arm wedge pillow comes in a triangle-like shape, and an example is the TBXONMOW wedge arm pillow.
21. Amazon Kindle
If you love to read a lot, holding physical books can be a hassle, but a broken arm shouldn’t stop you from doing your favorite things. By getting something as lightweight as the Amazon Kindle, you can read conveniently while holding it with just one hand. You don’t have to go through the challenges of reading paper-back books cause the Amazon Kindle is as close to it as possible with its e-ink technology that mimics real paper. The font is also adjustable to reduce eye strain.
Conclusion
Having a broken arm does not have to put your life on hold; likewise, recovering from a broken arm doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. With the right gadgets to help with broken arm your daily life can be so much easier while maintaining independence in your routine. You can do the things you love, like working with the help of Amazon Kindle, working with the help of ergonomic aids, and lots more. All of these gadgets and tools ensure that you can do your daily chores easily, work, cook, and do other things without being limited by your broken arm. We wish you the best of luck in your recovery journey.