Rheumatoid Arthritis Friendly Driving Tips for Your Next Trip

Written by Sarah Cownley
Published on

Elderly man has pain in fingers and hands. Old man with finger pain, bokeh background, outdoorsIf 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.

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

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.

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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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