Suffering from arthritis can make it more difficult to enjoy your vacation travel. If you're planning a vacation and you'll be doing some traveling, you should plan things out to minimize arthritis pain.
You can avoid aggravating arthritis pain while traveling by doing the following six things before and during your trip:
Pack devices that keep you comfortable
Pillows and cushions that are custom designed for those who suffer from arthritis can really come in handy when you're driving or sitting on a plane.
If your arthritis is severe and you'll be needing to cover significant distances on foot, you may also want to pack a walker or wheelchair if possible.
Talk to your doctor beforehand
It's a good idea to discuss your travel plans with your doctor or occupational therapist to take advantage of additional tips on traveling with arthritis.
Your doctor can provide you with valuable input on which activities might aggravate your arthritis and which activities you'll be able to handle with no pain.
Travel at times when traffic is minimized
During travel, waiting in lines and navigating one's way through crowds are often some of the most stressful activities. These activities can strain the legs, back, and other areas of the body where arthritis symptoms are often experienced.
Try to travel at times when traffic will be minimal to make it as fast and easy as possible to get from point A to point B.
Choose hotels with heated pools
You want to avoid putting yourself in situations where you'll be exposed to cold if you're suffering from arthritis. If you're planning on swimming during your hotel stay, look out for a heated pool to avoid exposing your skin to cold water.
Avoid sitting in one position for too long
Getting up and stretching occasionally on a long trip is important to avoid stiffness and other issues that can provoke arthritis pain. Make sure you take breaks to stretch if you're traveling in the car and avoid sitting in one position for a long time if you're traveling on a plane.
Make taking medicines convenient
If you take medications to treat your arthritis, pain and discomfort might flare up if you get off schedule with your meds.
It's a good idea to purchase a pillbox that points out which medications you take on which days. If you're traveling within the country or somewhere you may be able to get a prescription filled, you may want to take a backup prescription along with you in case you lose your medications during the trip. And when you get back, you should opt for an arthritis treatment at a place like the Sarasota Arthritis Center to help keep it under control.
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