Driving can be more challenging (and painful) with arthritis. Gripped hands on the steering wheel, tight knees to foot pedals, or lower back or hip pain after sitting for extended periods of time.
It's not just for comfort. It is also safety. If you cannot comfortably grip, can't move your neck without it feeling uncomfortable, not react fast enough to traffic changes, or cannot move your pedals without discomfort, it is time to change your driving machinery. The following are some practical tips on How to Reduce Arthritis Pain While Driving.
Set Up Your Seat Before You Start Driving
An incorrect driving posture puts more strain on your joints. Your sit position should not stretch your legs, support your back and keep your shoulders relaxed. If you're comfortable and feel supported, with comfortable seats and steering as needed, especially on long journeys. A cushion positioned under the lower back or a cushion for the chair seat can help alleviate pressure on your back and hips.
Quick Seat Checklist
Before driving, check that:
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Your knees are slightly bent when pressing the pedals
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Your back is fully supported
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Your shoulders stay relaxed while holding the wheel
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Your hips are centered in the seat
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Mirrors are adjusted so you do not twist excessively
Make the Steering Wheel Easier to Grip
Hand arthritis can make a grip difficult and turn pointing challenging. If using a steering wheel is uncomfortable, it can be helpful to make the steering wheel slightly thicker and easier to grip by putting padding over the steering wheel, which reduces the strain between the sore fingers or wrists and steering wheel. A certain hand comforts with a steering wheel cover for extended road trips. Gloves for driving also assist in that since you will have a better grip on the wheel and won't clench it as strongly.
Reduce Twisting When Getting In and Out
If you twist too quickly when you step into the vehicle, it could worsen your hip, knee or back pain. First sit down, then turn legs in to the car. To get up, turn your legs out first to stand up. This sit-and-swivel method minimizes the strain on sore joints.
Take Breaks Before Pain Builds
Restricted movement that lasts for long periods can aggravate stiffness. If you have to do longer drives, stop at the point where your joints start to feel locked up. Take a few minutes to walk, gently stretch and reset posture.
Taking frequent rests can help keep your hands, hips, knees, ankles and back more mobile.
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Consider Helpful Driving Aids
Depending on your symptoms, these may help:
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Seatbelt reacher
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Swivel cushion
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Panoramic rear-view mirror
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Key turner
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Extra side mirrors
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Supportive neck or back cushion
Know When Pain Becomes a Safety Issue
Talk to a doctor, occupational therapist or driving specialist if arthritis is making it difficult to turn your head, grip the steering wheel, check blind spots, brake quickly or get in and out of the car safely. Arthritis may impair the movement required for safe operation, such as reversing, steering, pushing pedals, etc. and looking over the shoulder.
The Bottom Line
There are only four main components to learning how to reduce arthritis pain while driving:
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improve positioning
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use less grip force
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limit unnecessary movements
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take breaks correctly
Don't wait until the pain gets really bad. Don't fit your body, fit the car. The following tips will help protect your joints and help to make driving a little less time consuming.
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