Arthritis, also known as joint inflammation, is an often painful and debilitating condition. It can affect joints all around the body and finding solutions to ease discomfort in specific pain areas can be challenging.
Even further, arthritis is a very common condition and can be a major contributing factor to increased fall risk for many adults across the country. In fact nearly half of people with osteoarthritis report experiencing a fall each year. This is often due to sore and stiff joints along with weakened knees that interfere with balance and mobility.
Because of this, it’s important that anyone experiencing symptoms of arthritis have their home checked for safety risks. There are many solutions that a home health expert, such as an occupational therapist, will be able to recommend that not only increase safety for someone with arthritis but can also help to ease discomfort in specific pain areas.
One common pain area is arthritis in the knees. This pain can cause a variety of safety concerns throughout the home but especially in the bathroom. This is because many tasks within the bathroom require a great deal of leg and knee strength. This includes being able to get on or off the toilet - an often challenging task for those with arthritis.
What is The Best Treatment for Arthritis in The Knees?
One of the best treatments for arthritis in the knees is installing a toilet seat riser.
It’s not uncommon for many toilets in U.S. households to be far too low to the ground, oftentimes only 14-16” from high. This makes getting on or off the toilet extremely difficult, regardless of age or condition. And the closer the toilet is to the ground the more knee joints are overworked.
And while the best solution may be to replace the toilet all together with one that is more accessible, there are still other ways to heighten the toilet and make sure that one’s knee pain isn’t exacerbated.
If you’re looking for ways to increase toilet height and treat arthritis in the knees we recommend installing a toilet seat riser. These products can be a great way to ease discomfort while saving money and time. Although there are a few variations of risers, there are three main types we often recommend to clients. These include:
- Raised Toilet Seats
- Toilet Risers
- Bariatric Toilet Seat Risers
What Is The Best Toilet Seat Riser?
Although there isn’t necessarily a best toilet seat riser, there are particular product options that are most appropriate for specific circumstances and needs. In fact almost all home modification products can be tailored to personal needs, wants and style. Before choosing the right options for you or a loved one, consider the various types of products and what features are most needed.
Raised Toilet Seat
Adding a raised toilet seat is one of the most common ways to increase toilet height and can be a great solution for those who are looking for a modification that’s cost-effective but not permanent. When installed, the raised toilet seat is easily placed onto the top of the existing toilet seat, often made in shapes and materials that are more comfortable than a typical toilet seat.
Though keep in mind that raised toilet seats can be difficult to fit on to an existing toilet and must be the correct size and shape of the current seat. Because of this we recommend you work with an occupational therapist to properly measure the toilet to find a raised seat that can be fit securely. And if you’re interested in learning more about specific brands of raised toilet seats, we highly suggest McKesson’s Comfortable Raised Toilet Seats. Their product line includes raised toilet seats for both round and elongated toilets.
Key Features:
- Installs directly over the existing toilet seat
- Raises the overall height of the toilet by 3.5”
- Includes screws and 6-inch bolts for easy installation
Toilet Riser
Another great option is what’s known as a toilet riser.
The reason why many people prefer this home modification is because it’s not only another way to raise the toilet seat height but does so in a way that blends in with the rest of the bathroom environment. By lifting the toilet height from the ground instead of by heightening the seat itself, many of these risers go completely unnoticed.
We highly recommend Toiletvator’s Toilet Base Riser for anyone considering this option. Their product is not only easy to install but eliminates the need for a raised toilet seat and maintains stability for those up to 500 lbs.
Key Features:
- All hardware needed for installation is included
- Sits under the existing toilet base
- Eliminates the need for continuous cleaning that often is required of a seat riser
Toilet Seat Riser With Armrests
Lastly, for wanting even more support, we suggest implementing a toilet seat riser with armrests. These risers are specifically designed to be extra durable and can be placed over an existing toilet.
Similar to both the raised toilet seat and the toilet riser, this option is also great for anyone who doesn’t wish to make any alterations to the actual toilet - ultimately saving time and money. Though with the addition of armrests can help make getting on or off the toilet even easier. If you’re considering this option, we recommend Vive’s Comfortable Raised Toilet Seat with Armrests. This product is not only easy to install but one of Vive’s top products available.
Key Features:
- Raises the overall height of the toilet by 3.5”
- Made from durable, split-resistant material, supporting up to 300 lbs
- Easy installation with no tools necessary
Finding the Best Toilet Seat Riser
Ultimately, if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of knee arthritis you’re not alone. While it can feel challenging to maintain control and mobility at home, home modifications make it possible. By implementing modifications such as a toilet seat riser you can increase independence at home and ease some of the worries one may have about a future fall.
If you have further questions about toilet seat risers or other home modifications that can help those with arthritis our team is always available. We’d be delighted to help you find the best toilet seat riser for the home.
