Ideas on any aids for holding a book please?

MistyB
MistyB Member Posts: 3
edited 12. Mar 2025, 14:55 in Coffee Lounge

Hello lovely people.

Recently I have been having a lot of problems with pain in my hands....which seems to be attributed to my new hobby of reading! It started with Trigger Finger, and now my thumbs and wrist have joined in! I've looked on Amazon and other places, but most reading aids don't seem to get very good reviews. Mainly to do with the pages not being held in place, damaging the page when trying to turn it, etc etc. I'm hoping to find something that will just sit on my lap, and I don't have to hold it. Has anyone got something that works for them please?

Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,939

    Hello @MistyB I am sorry to say I gave in and bought a kindle (e-reader). My sister now informs me that I can get some sort of remote control attachment so it can even turn those pages for me.

    Good luck I will watch to see what others suggest with interest.

    Ellen.

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 843

    Hi

    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/64041/ideas-on-any-aids-for-holding-a-book-please
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/731622#Comment_731622

    Hi both

    I moved to a Kindle many years ago after having shoulder surgery on both sides and OA in my hands.

    I now use a Kindle Fire (other brands are available) and use headphones to listen to my e books and audible books these days. A Godsend. No need to swipe to turn the page.

    Still love real books best but I just can't hold them these days.

    Love n hugs

    Trish xx

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,170

    Hi @MistyB , I’m a convert to Kindle on iPad - just haven’t got the strength to hold a book open and turn pages. There’s also an accessibility feature on my iPad that allows me voice control so I can turn the kindle pages by just telling them to turn. It’s really good but I’m not sure if other tablets or kindle readers have got this function.

    Anna ( Moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Jojo_16
    Jojo_16 Member Posts: 323

    Hi Anna that's really clever I wish I could get an app like that for my phone I use Kindle but self page turning sounds good my hand and thumb joints are always painful but I do love reading sometimes too much.

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 843
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/731635#Comment_731635
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/731636#Comment_731636

    Hi both

    Have you checked out styli on that well known selling site?

    I have a pack of long pencil length ones that can be held limply to turn pages on devices, texting etc.

    Trish

  • Jojo_16
    Jojo_16 Member Posts: 323

    Hi @Trish9556 i never thought about trying that might give it a go thanks for the advice.

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 843

    I got a pack of 10 for £1.99 - all different colours and the grandchildren pinch them for their tablets!

    Trish xx

  • Jojo_16
    Jojo_16 Member Posts: 323

    OK thanks for the advice I will definitely get some

  • karenjean01
    karenjean01 Member Posts: 2

    Hi Misty, Like you I have trigger finger and my fingers now dont close. To make things easier and less painful for my wrists my daughters bought me a plastic lap table. it means i can rest my book on it and im not hunching over. the other things they bought me was an attachment for my phone. It sits on the back and I can put a finger through it rather than clutch it in my hands. I hope you find something that works for you, took me a long time to give in and get the things that make my life easier, but it certainly has allowed me to cope better.

    good luck and keep up the reading x

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