Ideas on any aids for holding a book please?

MistyB
MistyB Member Posts: 3
edited 3. Aug 2025, 16:31 in Living with arthritis

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: 1,994

    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: 924

    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: 1,210

    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: 700

    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: 924
    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: 700

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

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 924

    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: 700

    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

  • RBZ123
    RBZ123 Member Posts: 2
    edited 1. Aug 2025, 08:42

    I have had neck and back difficulties for years, but I love reading... It's been a very difficult challenge for me to keep reading when it clearly wasn't helping. I've been searching for something to help with this for years. I've gone through about 8-9 different book stands, but none of them really helped.

    Recently that changed.

    I finally found something that actually raises my book to eye-level, no matter the position that I'm sitting in, and yet it's small and easily portable, meaning I can take it anywhere. It has little page holding arms that keep the book open for both big and small books.

    It's called the Stander and it has been a game changer for me, and for many other people who also have neck/back issues. Even better is that this thing can be pushed up to a height that I can use it while standing as well, which is always something that I wanted, as i like to switch between sitting and standing for health reasons.

    A real game-changer.

    Hope this is helpful

  • Poppyjane
    Poppyjane Moderator Posts: 942
    edited 4. Aug 2025, 08:04

    Welcome @RBZ123 to the online community

    Thank you for your helpful tip about the book stand. For many of us who are book readers it is a problem to have the ability to lift them comfortably. It is great to have a first time post offering suggestions, we hope it will be the first of many from you.

    We look forward to hearing from you again soon.

    Best wishes

    Poppyjane

    If it would be helpful to talk to someone ring the Helpline 0800 5200 520

    Monday - Friday 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m.

  • avidreader
    avidreader Member Posts: 1

    Hello 👋

    Have you tried a boppy cushion? They're actually pregnancy pillows but they are excellent at supporting books and arms as you read. You tuck them into your sides and you are supported all around. They are really comfortable too both in a chair and sat up in bed. I purchased mine because of my neck and trying to keep it "up" as much as possible.…

    Onwards and upwards 📚

  • RBZ123
    RBZ123 Member Posts: 2

    I can't say that I have tried that, no. But most of my reading isn't done in bed, so for me that's not the best option. But I appreciate the suggestion. For sitting at a desk/table or countertop, I found that the Dr. Shtaygen Stander is incredible. I can adjust the height and angle so that my books, tablet or laptop are at the perfect height (eye-level) for reading without any neck strain or poor posture. Typing at a stronger angle took a little getting used to, but once done it's fine.

    The other advantage is that when raised to it's full height, I can use it standing as well, and God knows that I need to stand more. Too much sitting is awful for the body.

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