Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 18.02.2006
From: Debby Ettenfield

Subject: Problems caused by arthritis in the hands

Hi, I am a 3rd year packaging design student, researching the problems caused by arthritis in the hands. My project is designing shower gel packaging that is easier to open, hold and use for arthritis sufferers. I would really appreciate comments from actual sufferers, which will help me to design the best possible outcome.
In particular, what are the problems inherent with sufferers with regards to opening/operating shower gel packaging etc. Any comments about other packaging issues are also appreciated.
Thank you.
reply | back to forum

Date: 18.02.2006
From: Caroline

Subject: Re: Problems caused by arthritis in the hands

Hi,
What a great project! I hope you are enjoying it.
I have had R.A. for about 12 years. At the moment I am feeling much better on a new treatment but I have been thinking back to a time when my hands have been bad.
Screw top containers are difficult-unless they are left loosely screwed on-which could also cause problems! The absolute worst type (in my experience) are 'tear off' or 'tear here' scenarios. Best could be a simple 'flip back' the lid or maybe a chunky button to press in (but not too stiff). I can't say that I have ever seen the latter design. The container needs to be easy to grip and not heavy. Above all-it needs to look attractive and not something designed only for 'disabled' users. I hate having anything in my life that marks me out as having special needs!I know that I might be trying to deny I have problems-but I prefer to have objects around me that look attractive and that anyone,able-bodied or not, would enjoy using!
Good luck with your project. Please keep the forum posted as to how it is going.
reply | back to forum

Date: 18.02.2006
From: Debby

Subject: Re: Problems caused by arthritis in the hands

thanks caroline. I have an 18 year old who has Spina Bifida and he also hates anything that looks specially for the disabled. I will be applying to actual 'popular brands' for permission to use their branding, keeping the design as authentic and non-disabled as possible.
reply | back to forum

Date: 18.02.2006
From: Julie

Subject: Re: Problems caused by arthritis in the hands

Hi Debby,

My worst is the tops you have to squeeze with your thumb and fore finger to get the tops to go out of shape so that they will go over bits of plastic in the rim. They make me so mad I just can't shift them!

I agree with caroline flip tops are best because you can use something else to lever them off. Oh and silly little tabs you have to grip and tear are impossible too...
reply | back to forum

Date: 19.02.2006
From: GillB

Subject: Re: Problems caused by arthritis in the hands

Can the containers be made of a softer material, as once you get into a bottle or container, it's still painful if you then have to try & squeeze really hard plastic to get the product out. For example, some shampoo bottles or 'squeeze' ketchup bottles are very hard to squeeze if you have little strength in you hands.
reply | back to forum

Date: 22.04.2006
From: Joyce Gillham

Subject: Re: Problems caused by arthritis in the hands

HANDS
I'm having trouble with my hands, 'just rheumatics' some might say, what do THEY know about this PAIN that never goes away
I can't SHAKE the washing when taking it from the machine, and FIGHTING to open spring loaded pegs, brings language most obscene.
Then I try going shopping zipping and un zipping my purse, and picking up change from the counter shows FUMBLING at its worst.
I can no longer GRIP rollers so my poor old hair looks a sight, getting lids off jars is impossible, though I try with all of my might.
I can no longer HOLD scissors, cutting rind off the bacons a curse, and as for trimming the garden secateurs are even worse !!!
Making the beds is the worse thing getting pillows in cases is HELL, then duvets in covers are MURDER,I still have to SHAKE them as well.
YOU NEED HANDS dear old Maxie sang to us, and I need some hands that is true, strong ones to do all the 'stupid' jobs that mine REFUSE to do
On the bright side I still do my computer, and make a lovely bread pudd, but I would still like painfree hands back that work the way they should.

JOYCE GILLHAM
(2003)
reply | back to forum

Date: 24.04.2006
From: Debby

Subject: Re: Problems caused by arthritis in the hands

Thank you for sharing your insight into the problems you experience Joyce, others who have never had arthritis couldn't even begin to imagine the different levels of problems caused by it.
Has anyone tried the 'easy open' hook on the new Radox shower gel bottles yet? Are they difficult/easy to open? Do 'fold away' types of hooks work, or are 'fixed' hooks the only option?
All comments are very welcome and appreciated.
Thanks
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

2+2=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board