Driving a car can be very beneficial for your mental health. You get to explore new sights and sounds, enjoy your privacy, feel the wind in your hair, and reflect on your problems and what you can do to solve them.
When I was in the work world, I liked taking lunch in my car and just relaxing. I ate my lunch, took pain medication, pulled out a book to read, and set aside some time for a short walk and a stretch.
If you have arthritis, it can make everyday activities like driving more difficult. “If your goal is to continue to drive, it’s important to address functional limitations by keeping up with doctor visits, managing pain, exercising regularly, and seeing a physical therapist or occupational therapist,” says Amy Donabedian, an occupational therapist and certified driving rehabilitation specialist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation.
Keep Regular Service Appointments
Changing a tire or bending down to look under the hood can inflame arthritis joints and put a real damper on your mood. Let service professionals do all the work while you relax and wait.
Regular service can save you money and help you address minor problems before they become bigger and more expensive. As a bonus, you may get better gas mileage.
Use Steering Wheel Covers
According to Elin Schold Davis, OTRL/L, and certified driver rehabilitation specialist, “Hand and wrist pain may be relieved by not gripping the wheel so tightly.” Purchase a steering wheel cover or pad the steering wheel with foam tape.
If it fits into your budget, buy a car with a heated steering wheel. If not, there may be an option to purchase a heated cover. We have a heated steering wheel, and one bonus is that if you start the car early, it is toasty warm when you get ready to leave.
Don’t forget the steering wheel can be adjusted to make it easier to get in and out of the car.
Purchase Pedal Extensions
I know how painful knee and hip arthritis can be. If you are not tall, you may need to adjust your seat to reach the pedals. This is where pedal extensions can really help you out.
Pedal extensions attach to the original pedals, bringing them closer to the driver’s seat and providing a safer, more comfortable driving position.
Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks are designed to keep blood from pooling in your feet and legs while providing extra support. They are now a part of my daily uniform, and when I am traveling, it helps reduce tingling, itchy, and achy veins. I have more energy to enjoy the trip. I wear 20/30 compression socks, which can be a pain to pull up to your knee, but you can try 15/20 compression first.
You’re pushing the gas and brake so many times that your ankles can get very painful, so ditch the flip-flops and wear shoes with good ankle support.
Schedule Breaks
I had some friends who would always invite me to go on gambling trips. They didn’t stop for breaks and drank large sodas on the way. There was one time when I just had to use the bathroom, and everyone in the car followed me.
Taking breaks gives your mind and body a rest and makes for a more enjoyable trip.
Stop at least once an hour. It is also helpful to bring an extra driver to split driving duties. You may want to take a nap or relax, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
Don’t Forget to Stretch
I stretch before I start any trip, and I add extra stretches when I take breaks. It loosens your muscles, you get to breathe fresh air, and a short walk will help keep your legs and feet from cramping.
Use a Support Cushion
A lumbar cushion gives extra support for your back, and I use it every day. When I am traveling in the car, I need a lumbar support that will cushion my lower back and keep me as pain-free as possible.
I always dreamed of having heated seats in my car, and now that I do, it is very lovely to be able to give my back some heat, so I am not dying of pain.
If you don’t have heated seats, you’ll want to include them. Our car cushions have four massage modes that target different areas of your body. Heat is optional, and you can adjust the intensity. I like that it has an auto shut-off timer.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the pain of arthritis keep you from the enjoyment of driving. Try these arthritis modifications and see how they work for you. You’ll feel safer on the road while still enjoying your favorite car trips.
