Arthritis is a condition that can severely limit your mobility. For that reason, driving is not easy for many people who have an arthritic condition. However, there’s no need for you to give up your independence to move around if you suffer from arthritis. Most people make every effort to enjoy life even with their affliction. If you have arthritis and you must drive, you can experience pain anytime so you need to be prepared.
Below are 5 tips to help you manage your arthritis while on the road:
TIP 1 Keep a supply of your pain relievers for your arthritis in your car. Your supply could include oral medication, topical cream, and heat patches. This way, you can immediately get arthritis relief if you feel the pain while getting in the car or when you have already covered some distance. However, if you’re living in an area with extreme weather conditions, do not leave your pain relievers in the car to prevent them from freezing. You may keep them instead in your bag or purse.
TIP 2 Buy the no-slip steering wheel cover. The fear of most sufferers of arthritis is endangering themselves and other people. If you’re having difficulty in gripping the steering wheel, you can buy a non-slip, easy-grip cover for it.
TIP 3 Get a remote car starter. If you’re residing in the north, you know how important it is to warm up your car before going on a trip. You can avoid making that extra walk to and from your car by using a remote car starter. It will allow you to start your car and let it warm up while you’re still inside the house. Also, with a push of a button on the same gadget, you can easily unlock your car doors and spare you the effort of fumbling with your car keys. Make sure to buy your remote car starter from stores that provide free or at least discounted installation.
TIP 4 Keep a rubber jar opener in your glove compartment. You must already be familiar with those jar openers. They let you get a good grip of the lid so you can twist and turn more easily. Keep one of those at hand for unscrewing the gas cap of your car. Of course, you can always get a gas cap wrench meant for drivers with arthritis. Just fit it on your gas cap and turn using the easy to grip, extended handle. It’s a nifty device but can be difficult to find. Besides, it’s a little expensive and for 5% of its cost, you can get a rubber jar opener that does the same job.
TIP 5 Keep your car well-fueled. While you can have tools that will facilitate opening and twisting the gas cap, you may still find it hard and painful to undo the gas cap every now and then. Keep your tank full so you don’t have to gas up when you’re already experiencing the pain. You may also want to patronize full-service gas stations in your place or when traveling so you don’t have to get out of the car and fill up your tank yourself.
Driving is important if not essential for a lot of people. You may be afflicted by arthritis, but you do not have to give up your independence and freedom to move around. Minimize the incidence of pain by following the above mentioned tips. And should you still feel the pain while driving, you can always seek relief from the pain relievers you keep at hand.
Have a good and safe trip!
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