Author: Erin Maxson
RVing with Osteoarthritis can be a challenge. RVing is already difficult enough without having the added pain of arthritis, but it shouldn’t stop you from seeing the world. Arthritis is something that many RVers live with every day, but there are some great ways to help your joints while traveling that doesn’t leave you discouraged or debilitated.
Here are several things you can do to make your road trips more enjoyable if you experience arthritis regularly:
Stress less.
I know, easier said than done, but worrying less can actually help keep your arthritis from acting up. The tenser your body is, internally and externally, the more your joints and muscles will feel it. Focus on enjoying the time you have instead of intensely planning or stressing over every detail. Your joints will thank you for it.
Related Read: Reduce Stress by Fulltime RVing!
2. Work it out.
It may seem like the last thing you want to do when your body is inflamed and in pain, but working out can make all the difference in the world. Whether you take a walk through the campground or grab a pair of weights for resistance training, moving around more frequently can reduce your symptoms greatly.
Here are a few things to try out when you feel like your arthritis is kicking in:
Go for a stroll.
Take a dip in the pool.
Bike around a park.
Dance to your favorite song.
Stretch out your hands, fingers, toes, etc.,
3. Avoid overuse.
The areas where you experience arthritis are the areas you use most frequently. Avoid overusing those muscles and joints throughout your day to prevent your arthritis from acting up. Instead of putting all of your weight on your left knee during hikes, try your best to correlate your body movements with your mind to alleviate some of the stress on your already hurting joints. Connecting your mind to your body can make all the difference in changing some of the habits that cause you pain.
4. Take a snooze.
Many arthritis patients have said that getting enough sleep every night has helped their body stay on track with less pain. Ensuring you get an adequate amount of sleep every night can do wonders for an already aching body. You’ll soon be waking up on the right side of the bed without pain instead of the wrong side.
Related Read: How to Choose a New RV Mattress for Better Sleep
5. Make the most of the good days.
Not every day with arthritis is going to be a good day, but taking the time to get out there and still do what you love on the days when your body is up for it makes all the difference. Always keep your chin up and do your best on the days when you feel like you could do anything, then you can take the time to rest on the days when you experience pain or frustration.
6. Rest and take care of yourself.
Like we said earlier, not every day is going to be a good day, but you need to be able to take care of yourself on the days when your arthritis becomes overwhelming. Take the time for self-care during the bad days to avoid having more of the same the next day. Things like hot baths, swimming in a pool, or lying with your feet up for a bit can make all the difference on a day when your arthritis is flaring up.
7. Talk to a doctor.
If things are getting out of control, the easiest way to find a way to manage your pain is to see a medical professional. Some things may become too much for your physically or mentally, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you are unable to manage your arthritis on a regular basis.
Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling with Arthritis
Traveling with osteoarthritis means you will probably have a different lifestyle from other travelers who don’t have arthritis. You may need a little mental work to overcome your symptoms and to avoid getting discouraged with life on the road.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
Having arthritis can sometimes slow you down or keep you behind an extra day, and that’s okay. Just because someone else is packing up and heading out doesn’t mean you need to rush and do the same. Sometimes the slower you go, the more beauty you see.
2. Take your time and be patient.
Rushing your trip can only lead to bad things down the road. Not everything is a race, especially when you feel like your pain is slowing you down. If you begin to feel frustrated with yourself, your pain, or your inability to go and do, consider how you would feel if you really hurt yourself and were unable to do anything for an extended period of time. Be kind to yourself.
3. It’s not a death sentence.
Just because you are living with pain some days doesn’t mean you are incapable of venturing out into the world on your own. You can still get behind the wheel, walk around on good days, and see things with your very own eyes. Pain can make life more difficult and frustrating, but if you don’t let it get you down, you can still see the rainbow after every storm.
RVing with Osteoarthritis
Having arthritis can make your days more difficult, but there are so many ways to manage your pain and your mental state today. Always talk to your doctor if you begin to have severe pain or have questions about your arthritis. There are so many ways to make traveling with arthritis more enjoyable! All you have to do is ask.
At the end of the day, no one can tell you how to travel. If RVing is your passion and you want to see the world, no one can stop you, not even your arthritis. Focus on the good in each day, the beauty you see around you, and always take the time to rest when it’s needed. Your body and your adventures will thank you for it.