Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, a division of Pfizer Canada Inc.: Learning Centre

Travel Tips for Arthritis Sufferers

Choosing Accommodations
When selecting a place to stay, keep in mind that some hotels are more accommodating than others for people with arthritis.

Ask your travel agent whether the following services are available and book a hotel that best matches your needs:

Transportation to and from the airport or bus/train station
Telephones placed near the bed and in the bathroom
Heated pools for exercise and relaxation
Hand rails beside the toilet and tub
Levers instead of round knobs on doors, faucets, and shower/tub controls
Room service and laundry service
Ramps, rather than steps

Air Travel
Air travel may present some special difficulties for individuals with arthritis. But most can be easily minimized by following these tips:

Select a flight that is typically not crowded, such as during non-peak hours
Book a nonstop flight, especially if you wish to avoid walking long distances between departure gates or traveling for longer than necessary
Ask that your boarding pass be issued in advance
Arrive at least an hour before check-in if you need special assistance
If possible, check your bags at the curb
If you must transfer planes, give yourself plenty of time between flights
Request a wheelchair or motorized cart to transport you between gates and the baggage claim area or outside transportation
On the plane, ask for help in putting your carry-on bag in the over-head compartment. This will leave more room to stretch your legs
Walk down the aisle whenever possible to reduce stiffness in knees, hips and back during a long flight

Exercises for Traveling
Just because you are taking a vacation, doesn't mean your exercise routine need suffer. Stretching exercises can be done in the comfort of your hotel room. And, some can even be done in transit. To help keep joints strong and flexible, follow the guidelines below.

When seated, press your legs together to strengthen the muscles that help support the back and legs. Hold for 6 seconds. Relax and repeat. Gradually increase to five, 10, and then 20 repetitions. Repeat twice daily
Sit in a chair and support your foot on a table or chair of comfortable height. Straighten your leg and pull your toes toward you, stretching the back of your leg. Hold for six seconds, relax, and repeat up to 12 times. To keep knees flexible, repeat this exercise two to three times a day
For flexible ankles and feet, sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor. Raise your toes as high as you can while keeping your heels on the floor. Then raise your heels as high as you can, while keeping your toes on the floor. Rotate your ankles in a circle, curling the toes up and down and around in a circular motion
Even before getting out of bed, limber up for the day by bending each knee to the chest, one at a time. Repeat, alternating knees. Gradually increase until you can do five to 10 repetitions. Pull both knees to your chest at the same time and hold for six seconds. Repeat increasing to five to 10 repetitions
Lie on your back and move your feet and legs in the air as if you were riding a bicycle, while counting to six. Relax and repeat. Gradually increase to five and then 10 repetitions once or twice daily
To stretch your hip, lie on your stomach on the bed or floor. Raise your thigh straight up behind you, keeping your knee straight. Lift the other thigh and hold for six seconds. Repeat. Gradually increase to five and then to 10 repetitions Arthritis is a common affliction that can occur in people of almost any age. The pain it inflicts can limit daily, routine activities, and there is no cure. You can, however, combat the debilitating effects of arthritis and not allow it to control your life.