As the holidays approach, many people in the downtown and Westwood areas of Los Angeles, California, are making travel plans. While it’s exciting to see friends and family over the holidays, for those of us with joint pain, travel can really take a toll.
Kristofer J. Jones, MD, understands that joint pain can make it hard to enjoy the holidays to the fullest. Let’s explore some tips and tricks to help you manage your joint pain this holiday season.
Living with joint pain often means changing your daily routines to accommodate joint stiffness, swelling, and discomfort. These days, many people prefer to drive rather than fly.
Hours spent sitting in the car can make joint pain flare up and can leave you feeling stiff and sore once you arrive. Be sure to leave time for frequent stops to get out and stretch your legs.
Doing some basic stretches is a great way to keep your joints flexible and prevent stiffness. Taking a short walk is also a great idea, and many interstates and highways offer safe and appealing rest areas that include green spaces for walking.
Many airlines now offer special seating options that include more leg room. If you’re tall or want room to stretch your legs out while seated, these seats can be far more comfortable than being crammed into tightly packed rows.
You can always ask at the gate to see if an exit row or more spacious seat has opened up.
If you can’t snag a seat with extra leg room, there are still ways to minimize joint pain during flights. Begin by using the time before boarding to take a walk in the concourse. This stretches your muscles and keeps your joints limber once on the plane.
If you have an aisle seat, moving around in the cabin during flights is much easier. But even if you’re in the window or middle seat, don’t hesitate to ask your neighbor(s) to let you out a few times during the flight.
Walking up and down the aisle is often enough to avoid joint pain and stiffness.
As you’re packing your bags, think about which options will help you stay comfortable and avoid joint pain while you’re on the move this holiday season. Choose comfortable clothing with a bit of extra room for your travel days, which allows you to stretch and bend.
Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, and keep in mind that your feet can swell during flights on long road trips.
If you use a heating pad or cold packs to ease discomfort at home, take them with you on your trip. However, be aware of restrictions on bringing liquid or gel items on planes.
The holidays are filled with traditional foods, tasty treats, and special beverages. Take care to avoid consuming foods that you know can exacerbate joint pain. Many people have trouble with high-fat, highly processed, and salty foods that trigger inflammation.
While there’s nothing wrong with indulging a bit over the holidays, be sure you’re making good choices most of the time.
A spike in inflammation can prevent you from having fun with loved ones or keeping up with the grandchildren, so consider your options carefully for meals and snacks.
If you’re frustrated with having to alter your plans to avoid joint pain, you’re ready to explore advanced treatment options. Kristopher J. Jones, MD, is more than happy to meet with you to discuss your specific set of needs.
Arthroscopic surgery can be a great fit for many people, but there are also nonsurgical treatments available that can provide much-needed relief from joint pain.
You’ll learn more about the available options, as well as ways to manage joint pain on your own. When you’re ready to book your visit, reach out to our office online or by phone to find a time that fits your schedule.
