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Media Releases
Arthritis, Decreased Mobility Can Be Dangerous on the Road
Columbia, Mo. (Oct. 31, 2005) - For Americans, driving is not merely a basic economic necessity - it's a symbol of independence. Getting into our cars and driving to any destination is so ingrained in our daily routine, that most of us cannot fathom a life without our four-wheeled companions. But while many take driving for granted, for the millions of people with arthritis, getting on the road may be a painful and dreaded chore.
Almost 70 million Americans have arthritis or arthritis-related symptoms such as joint pain, inflammation and decreased mobility, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Many people with arthritis only have mild symptoms, but quite a few have symptoms severe enough to make driving both uncomfortable and dangerous, says Diana Baldwin, occupational therapist at the University of Missouri-Columbia and researcher for the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC).
For example, if a person has pain in his or her neck and shoulders, it could be difficult to swerve, maneuver the steering wheel or check the blind spots. Conversely, if a person has pain and stiffness in the hips, knees, ankles and feet, it might be harder to brake and accelerate or get in and out of the vehicle.
Driving with arthritis may not be merely painful, but downright dangerous.
Limited range of motion and painful joints are the primary culprits for driving discomfort, Baldwin says, but so is driving (or riding in a car) for extended periods of time, usually for more than half an hour, which can create stiffness because of the body's compressed position. Therefore, regular breaks from driving are essential even for those who do not have arthritis, Baldwin warns. Something as simple as pulling over every 30 to 60 minutes for a brisk 5-minute stretch should do the trick.
A final note of caution: Certain pain relievers, as well as other medications, can cause drowsiness and slow down your reaction time. Talk to your physician about all the medications you are taking and discuss alternatives or adjusting the dose if necessary.
Despite all, most people who have arthritis can and do drive safely. There are several simple gadgets and tools that can make driving as effortless and safe as it should be.
Baldwin suggests the following tips to make driving less painful, safer and more enjoyable:
Actions requiring turning the head/neck and wrist, such as checking one's blind spot or turning key in the ignition and locks
Devices that help:
- special mirrors with "blind spot area" or panoramic rear-view mirror;
- key holders that are extended or have a bent handle or enlarged grip;
- keyless lock
Actions requiring reaching such as reaching pedals, seat belt, steering wheel, hand controls (gear, windshield washer, turn signals, etc.)
Devices that help:
- seat belt extender, seat belt stop, ribbon/rope attached to seat belt to avoid reaching across and over left shoulder;
- steering wheel enlarged foam grip, steering wheel knob;
- extenders for pedals and controls
Getting in and out of the car, e.g. putting legs in and out, twisting and bending trunk
Devices that help:
- swivel seat cushion or pad, grip bar that attaches to door;
- vinyl or leather seats
Sitting in confined position with possibility of inadequate back support
Devices that help:
- adjusting seat for body;
- lumbar supports or rolled up towel, seat cushion to raise the height to see over the steering wheel
Prolonged gripping like steering wheel and overextending leg to use accelerator
Devices that help:
- pedal extender;
- regular hand and arm stretches and muscle tensing;
- steering wheel cover that enlarges steering wheel lessening grip size
If you need more information about assistive devices, you should consider talking to a driving rehabilitation specialist. Simple devices will relieve the aches and pain, but safety considerations and more extensive adaptations require professional assistance.
To arrange an interview with a MARRTC expert, contact Becky Woelfel, Senior Information Specialist, at (573) 882-2914 or by email at woelfelr@missouri.edu
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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