Driving is a complex skill which many of us learn at a younger age. The ability to drive safely can be affected due to changes in our physical, emotional and mental condition. Driving is one of those things we really try to hold onto because it represents mobile freedom and independence. Everyone has things to do and places to go and driving permits one to quickly get to the places they want or need to go. Some people drive as part of their job or for getting back and forth from work. Socially, it is imperative for every one of us to drive safely and responsibly since we're driving all over in cars that weigh 3,000 pounds or more, and if something goes wrong, the damage done can have a lasting effect on someone else.
Arthritis affects our physical condition and may make it more difficult to drive. It can make your joints swollen and stiff, and this can significantly limit how much you can bend or move your shoulders, hands, head and neck. Arthritis can make it harder to turn the steering wheel, or to apply the brake, even when you put on your seat belt (be sure to always wear your seat belt) or in checking over your shoulder for your blind spot. As you can see, this makes it more difficult to perform the tasks essential to driving. Furthermore, if arthritis affects your hips, knees, ankles or feet, it may be painful getting in and out of your vehicle.
So even with joint stiffness or arthritis pain, can a person still drive safely? The answer is yes, but you'll want to look for a way to manage driving while having these conditions. The thing to keep in mind is to have your doctor help determine which joints are affected, and then find a way to address the condition. Your doctor can help you isolate the pain you feel and find ways to minimize it and your doctor can give you third party advice as to whether you are safe to be driving.
Your doctor may recommend a glucosamine supplement for mild cases of arthritis. In more moderate or severe cases, your doctor can come up with a medicine to help alleviate the pain. Keep in mind that if you use a medicine to treat your arthritis, make sure it doesn't make you drowsy (ask your doctor and also test the medicine by first taking it at a time where you know you'll be home for a few hours). Be sure to mention to your doctor your need to keep driving so that as your doctor works on treatments to help with your pain and swelling, that these treatments that will not make it difficult for you to drive safely.
Something else that can help your mobility is to do exercises to keep your joints strong. Often times, doctors can teach helpful exercises or they may know a physical therapist that can get you started with exercises to make your joints supple. For example, if you have arthritis in your fingers, having a partner massage the joints and rotating the fingers in a circular motion can help the finger joints and may even reduce some of the pain. Some people even say a reduction in the amount of red meat and substituting fish can help, but you'll have to see for yourself if that helps you.
If your doctor says that it may be time to let someone else do the driving, don't resist it. It doesn't mean you are any "less" of a person. Fortunately, there's many ride options available and people don't even have to know that you're not driving any more. Some of those options include, taxi cabs, shuttle buses, public buses, trains, subways, riding with friends (or family) and even walking. You can still be independent without having to drive, you'll just have to plan a little more in advance. In the long run, you'll be safer and and this can influence the safety of others which care about you.
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