How Arthritis Makes Using the Bathroom More Difficult

It’s not something people are always eager to talk about or acknowledge, but it’s important for those living with arthritis and chronic pain to know that many out there are struggling with issues related to using the bathroom.

Arthritis can make most activities of daily living more challenging but while many can be avoided or easily modified, others require more work and planning to deal with — like using the bathroom, which is something you have to do multiple times a day.

It’s not something people are always eager to talk about or acknowledge, but it’s important for those living with arthritis and chronic pain to know that many out there are struggling with issues related to using the bathroom.

Using the bathroom requires fine motor dexterity that many people with arthritis may lack due to stiff and swollen joints, especially in the fingers and wrists. Arthritis may also cause pain and loss of motion in areas such as the lower back, hips, and knees, which can make it harder to use the toilet.

Issue: How can I make using the toilet more comfortable?

Lowering yourself down onto the toilet, sitting for long periods of time, and standing back up after finishing your business can all be more difficult for someone with arthritis,

Integrated Handrails for sitting and standing

Toilet Support Arms or Grab Rails with different height settings built into the one device are one way of helping arthritis sufferers who may need just a little support when transitioning from standing to sitting back to standing

Use a Toilet Lift

You can get a type of Toilet Lift that can either be used with an integrated toilet bowl or fitted over your existing toilet. These Lifts are electrically operated by means of a push button on the integrated arm rests and support you from standing to sitting and vice versa.

Turn your toilet into a Shower Toilet with body drier

A warm spray of water can be an easier and more comfortable way to clean yourself after using the toilet, making a SHOWER TOILET — a DISABLED BATHROOM AID That uses warm water to wash your bum — a genius solution for people with arthritis. Once the wash cycle is finished warm air dries your body. Shower Toilets or Automatic Bidets are common place across Europe more so than Ireland, so you may already have access to one but if you don’t you can purchase one and have it fitted to your existing toilet. “I was kind of apprehensive at first when my doctor suggested using one but once I got used to it, it was amazing,” says Tadhg, 58, who has osteoarthritis. “I’m so used to it now that I get upset when I have to use a regular toilet! It really saves my hands.”

Keep a button hook handy

Pulling pants down and up is half the battle and one way to make it simpler and less painful is to keep a button hook tool in every bathroom in your home and in your purse or bag for when you go out. If you get a “Button Hook & Fastener” – Dressing Aid, it can help you do buttons, zippers, and hooks with ease.

Use a portable heater

People with arthritis are often more sensitive to the cold than other folks and being cold can make your joints feel more stiff — definitely not a good situation in the bathroom. Certainly in the winter months, consider putting a portable heater in the bathroom. “Having a heater in the bathroom helps me relax,” says Shauna., 45, who has ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis of the spine.

Think through your clothing choices

Trouser buttons are often difficult for people with arthritis when they have poor finger motion or strength. We recommend wearing elastic-waist trousers as they are easier to get on and off, especially if you’re in a rush. And for those who prefer trousers with traditional buttons? “Try looping an elastic around the button, through the button hole, and back around the button to help then stay on.

Treat constipation

Constipation is a surprisingly common source of bathroom urgency and incontinence as the bowel puts pressure on the bladder, according to the CFA. Arthritis can lead to constipation through the disease itself (being less physically active due to pain and fatigue can increase constipation) or as a side effect of some medications. Treating your constipation through medication or dietary changes can help ease bathroom woes.