Planning a summer getaway should be exciting, not stressful. But if you’re one of the millions of Americans living with arthritis, travel can mean extra discomfort, too.
As leading providers of custom arthritis management plans, Thomas E. Powell, MD, and the team at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine want every patient to be able to get the most from their vacation plans. In this post, they offer five simple tips to help you reduce flare-ups and stay focused on what really matters: enjoying your time away.
Reducing arthritis symptoms starts before you even take off on your travels, during the planning stages. For instance, if your arthritis affects your feet, legs, or back, it’s a good idea to avoid areas with uneven terrain or places that require stairs or steep inclines to get from place to place. Likewise, heat and humidity can cause symptoms to flare up for many people; opting for a more moderate climate avoids those triggers.
When selecting accommodations and activities, look for places that are arthritis-friendly. Resorts and other locales with on-site transportation, elevators, and on-site dining reduce the amount of strain you place on your joints without decreasing your enjoyment.
In addition to looking for an arthritis-friendly destination, it’s important to consider how you’ll stay comfortable while you get there. Long flights and car rides can leave you feeling stiff and sore even after you reach your vacation spot.
Ideally, make an effort to include plenty of “stretch breaks” during your travel time. On flights, consider booking an aisle seat to make it easier to get up and move around. Walking up and down the aisle is great, but simply standing by your seat and doing a few simple stretches can help, too.
For long car rides, plan regular stops along the way to stretch and move around. Be sure to pack comfort items, like a neck pillow, lumbar support, or compression socks, and wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement.
Once your plans are set, it’s time to pack. In addition to your clothing and toiletries, it’s a good idea to include some items to improve your overall comfort, whether you’re on the go or chilling in your hotel room.
If you take prescription medication, be sure to keep some in your carry-on bag, just in case your luggage is misdirected. Include some over-the-counter pain medication, hot and cold packs, and any wraps, braces, or other supports you routinely use to offer some extra support. Don’t forget to pack a water bottle — staying hydrated throughout the day is important for banishing fatigue that can make arthritis symptoms a lot harder to manage.
The shoes you wear affect a lot more than your feet. Without proper support and cushioning, your shoes can put extra strain on your ankles, knees, hips, and even your spine. When travel involves extra walking or standing, it’s easy to see how poor shoe choice can make a big difference to your overall comfort.
Before traveling, look for shoes that offer lots of arch support and cushioning for your ankles and heels to absorb extra impact that can cause joint pain. Wear your shoes for a few weeks ahead of time to make sure they’re comfortable — don’t wait until your travel date to break in new footwear.
When you’re on vacation, you definitely want to make the most of your experience, and it can be tempting to pack every moment of your itinerary with something new to do or see. Unfortunately, overdoing it can quickly lead to more pain and stiffness, along with more mobility issues that can last for the rest of your trip.
To avoid these issues, be sure to work in regular breaks throughout your day. Space out activities that require a lot of physical exertion, and work in a midday break at your hotel or another relaxing spot to give your joints time to rest and recuperate. The goal is to find the right balance between being active and getting the rest your body needs to stay comfortable.
Having arthritis doesn’t mean you need to skip travel and all the adventures it offers. It simply means taking a little extra time to plan for your needs, so you can stay comfortable and relaxed throughout your experience.
To learn how we can help you manage your arthritis symptoms at home or on the road, request an appointment online or over the phone with Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, today.
