If you’re one of the more than 1.3 million Americans living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know that this chronic inflammatory condition can affect every area of your life. While there’s no cure for RA, there are ways to manage its symptoms so you can live as normal a life as possible.
One thing that can be tricky for people with RA is driving, especially long distances. But with a few adjustments, you can make driving a breeze even when your RA is acting up. Here are some tips to help you hit the road safely and comfortably:
Adjust Your Seat
Make sure your car is comfortable for you. If your seats are too stiff or if the steering wheel is in the wrong position, it can aggravate your condition and cause joint pain. When you’re behind the wheel, it’s important that you feel comfortable and in control.
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One way to ensure this is to set your car seat at the right distance from the pedals. If you have to reach too far, you may not be able to react quickly enough in an emergency. Ensuring you’re at the correct distance from the pedals can also ease strain and fatigue on the spine and the small joints in the toes.
Similarly, if you’re too close, you may find yourself constantly banging your knees or knocking into the steering wheel. The best way to find the right position is to experiment until you find a distance that feels comfortable for you. Once you’ve found your perfect spot, be sure to adjust your mirrors so that you have a clear view of the road behind you. With a little bit of effort, you can get your car to fit you perfectly.
Adapt Your Grip
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may have difficulty gripping the steering wheel. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make gripping the steering wheel easier.
For instance, you can try using a disability hand control or customizing your car’s steering wheel with an adapted grip. You can also invest in a good pair of gloves designed for people with rheumatoid arthritis. By taking these steps, you can help make driving with rheumatoid arthritis a little bit easier and help to reduce any pain.
Take Breaks
People with rheumatoid arthritis may find it difficult to drive when they are experiencing fatigue. Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can cause drowsiness and slowed reaction time, making driving dangerous. It is essential for people with rheumatoid arthritis to plan ahead when making long road trips.
To avoid fatigue, it is advisable to take breaks and stretch often. By being prepared and taking precautions, people with rheumatoid arthritis can safely enjoy the freedom of the open road.
If you are suffering from RA, speaking with a professional is essential if it interferes with your ability to drive. Also, just by following these simple tips, you can rest assured that driving will become easier with arthritis.
Joint and Bone Health
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As you age, your joints may require support to help them stay strong, flexible, and healthy. Healthy Joints contains multiple ingredients to help support and improve joint health.
The primary ingredient in Healthy Joints is AprèsFlex®, an extract from Boswellia, which has been found in studies to provide rapid support for joint health and mobility. This unique formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which contain compounds that are some of the building blocks of healthy joints.
Supporting bone health is also essential as you age. Bone Rescue can help to support the maintenance and development of bones thanks to its unique formula, including strontium. Chemically similar to calcium, strontium can provide great support for aging bones. Bone Rescue contains 680 mg of strontium along with additional ingredients to help keep bones strong and healthy.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
