With the festive season on in full swing, it’s no wonder that most of us are already packing our bags and heading out. If you’ve been suffering from arthritis, chances are, you may feel it’s a dampener on your travel spirit.
But there’s good news in store for you. With World Arthritis Day on 12th October, here are some effective travel tips you can follow, that will let you move around happily and reduce your arthritis pain and discomfort.
1. Book Doctor Appointments In Advance
Just as you start planning your trip, make those medical appointments in advance. Tell your doctor about your travel plans and the destination you are headed to. Based on the area and the type of climate, your doctor may change the mode of treatment and suggest any emergency precautions if required.Remember to carry all your medical records, including your prescriptions, so that you can refill them as and when needed.
2. Book Smart
If you’re taking a flight, book one that is not in the peak hours. Rush hours mean longer queues everywhere, and you’ll have to spend more time standing and waiting. Weekday afternoons are some of the lightest times to fly. Also, if you have arthritis problems in the morning, avoid taking early morning flights.
3. Travel Light
With arthritis, you obviously have to be careful about the amount of bags you carry. The lighter you travel, the easier it will be for you to hoist your things around without getting hurt or stressing your joints. If possible, take fewer clothes that you can wash in the middle of the trip.
4. Know The Temperature
Once you book your destination, find out the climate you’ll be in when you actually reach there. If you’re going to a place that will be cold, you may experience a flare up. If the climate is warm, you may not have as much discomfort.
5. Stretch And Take Frequent Breaks
While traveling, break your sitting time and take frequent stretching breaks. Being seated for long, whether in a plane, train or in a cab, can trigger your pain. Instead, get up and take a short walk. If you’re traveling by road, stop for a few minutes at least every couple of hours.
6. Carry A Small Pillow
While you are seated, roll up a small pillow and place it in the area where you have the pain. For instance, if your knees are affected, place the pillow underneath. You can also roll it up and place it near your back.
7. Find Out Your Best Time Of The Day
You may experience your worst arthritis moments early in the morning, or feel especially lazy at other times. Find out your most active time of the day and plan travel activities accordingly, so that you can make the most of your time.
8. Wear Comfortable Shoes
The right type of shoes can help reduce your pain and discomfort, especially when you are traveling and are out and about. Buy a good pair of shoes at least a few weeks before you plan to travel and start wearing them, so that your feet get enough time to adjust. Make sure it provides good support and the right type of traction.
9. Eat Foods That Ease The Pain
A few weeks before you are due to travel, add foods to your diet that will help ease the pain. Some such foods include cabbage, cauliflower, salmon, tuna and broccoli. Go for foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, as these will fight and prevent inflammation and reduce pain.
10. Rest Well
You’ll be doing a lot of moving around on your trip, so give those joints a rest before your big day. Stay in bed a little longer than you usually would, go out less, wear comfortable clothes and shoes as much as you can, and avoid doing any activity that can stress your joints.
