Arthritis — an umbrella term for an assortment of joint-pain disorders — affects almost 19% of women and men in the United States. You’re more likely to get arthritis the longer you live. In fact, more than half of adults age 75 and over are afflicted.
Stiff, painful joints are never a joy in the best of circumstances. Traveling can be among the worst of circumstances. Long periods of sitting, confined to a single space without room to roam can worsen arthritis symptoms, particularly in the leg and hip joints.
At the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey, our expert rheumatologists and medical providers would like you to travel with more ease this holiday season and during the new year. We treat arthritis at our offices in Monroe, Flemington, and Somerville, New Jersey, so you can get the care you need before or after your journeys.
But how do you take those trips and stay comfy? Follow these five tips.
Book your plane or train tickets well in advance so you can pick an aisle seat. Aisle seats allow you to give your legs a stretch every once in a while, which helps stimulate circulation and the release of joint-protecting synovial fluid.
If you’re traveling by air, call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 or check online so you know what to expect when you go through the security screenings. Also, check to see how to present your medications so they don’t get confiscated.
If you’re staying in a hotel, try to get a room near the elevator so you don’t have to travel far. If your medications need to be refrigerated, be sure you have a fridge in the room.
Traveling can be uncomfortable and stressful. Even if you’re normally able to get around on your own, you may need an assistive device to get to your gate.
Items that can help you stay comfortable include:
If you need topical creams to help with pain, buy them in travel sizes so they can pass airport screening.
If you need help getting to your gate, take advantage of the motorized carts and wheelchairs that airlines are required to offer. You can also pre-board, so you can take the time you need to get seated.
While stowing luggage, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Flight staff and even fellow passengers can lend a hand putting up and taking bags out of overhead bins.
As much as possible, move your body. If you’re in an airplane, wait until the seatbelt light goes off, then try to take a walking and stretching break at least once an hour. Make sure you’re stable enough on your feet to walk the aisle.
If you can’t get up, give yourself movement breaks by doing exercises in your seat every few minutes. Ankle rolls, knee lifts, and shoulder rolls give your body a break and keep your joints warm and lubricated.
Even flexing your muscles and holding for a few seconds before releasing can keep your blood circulating and help you stay comfortable.
One of the most frustrating parts of traveling is not being able to pick fresh, healthy foods from most airline, store, or restaurant offerings. Carry a refillable water bottle and, if you have it, a portable filter, too.
If you can, pack fresh apples and oranges for nourishment and hydration while on board. Nuts are a good choice for a snack, particularly if they’re unsalted.
Read restaurant menus online so you can research their healthiest, least inflammatory options before you turn up for your meals. Order anti-inflammatory vegetables, such as broccoli and leafy greens, whenever possible.
Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine, especially while traveling. Both of these substances can cause inflammation, which worsens arthritis pain and stiffness.
Are you troubled by arthritis pain? Find a customized treatment plan for everyday life and traveling, too, by calling our helpful team or booking an appointment online today. We serve Monroe, Flemington, and Somerville, New Jersey, and surrounding areas.
