You can still travel, even with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Travel is an excellent form of exercise and activity for the body, mind, and soul, and most doctors encourage patients with PsA to take trips. Here are 10 easy tips to manage pain and stiffness as you travel easily and safely.
Plan Ahead
Select a destination that fits your specific psoriatic arthritis and capabilities. Harris H. McIlwain, MD, a Tampa, Florida–based board-certified rheumatologist and author, recommends avoiding climbing pyramid steps, hiking on rocky terrain, or walking on cobblestone streets, especially if you have hip, back, or feet involvement with PsA.
Be Specific
If you use a travel agent or call a hotel or cruise line, be specific about your needs. Not everyone is familiar with the term “accessible,” so speak plainly about your requests. Plan to use a taxi or private car to get from one destination to another, and research information on the local transit system to see if it meets your needs. Bring a foldup cane or walker for your day trips, just in case. If you require a wheelchair, make sure the taxi service or bus system can expedite this for you.
Pack Lightly
Limit your bags to less than 25 pounds total weight and make sure your luggage is on wheels. Try pushing (not pulling) the suitcase with both hands to eliminate added stress on hands and shoulders. Limit your carry-on bag to one lightweight shoulder bag. Some travel experts suggest taking half of what you might need; you can have clothes laundered at the hotel or on the cruise ship midway into the trip. Also, the American College of Rheumatology recommends packing walking aids or shoe inserts if you have swollen toes or foot and heel pain with PsA.
Choose the Right Accommodations
Select a hotel that works best for your type of psoriatic arthritis. For instance, if climbing stairs makes your knees, back, or hips hurt, make sure your hotel has an elevator or that your room is on the first floor. Ask about a heated swimming pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and an exercise room. You can continue your regular stretches, exercises, and moist heat, using the shower or bath in your hotel room. If you need ramps or other facilities for wheelchairs, it’s best to check with the hotel or cruise line before you make reservations. Most places today have designated guest rooms with grab bars in showers, bathtubs, and toilets — just ask.
Travel at Nonpeak Times
It’s easier to access the plane and your luggage if you travel at nonpeak travel times (such as midafternoon). Also, fewer people fly during the week, so consider this when making your plans. Be sure to request a wheelchair or motorized cart when you make your reservation, and the airline will ensure its arrival at your gate. When you fly, ask for a bulkhead seat or an aisle seat so you’ll have extra room for stretching and moving your joints.
Get Nonstop Flights
Ask your travel agent to make reservations for nonstop flights when possible. This lets you avoid changing planes, standing in long lines, walking from gate to gate, and sitting in uncomfortable waiting rooms waiting for a flight. Also, call the Transportation Security Administration or TSA Cares toll-free hotline (855-787-2227) for security screening assistance that may prevent you from standing for extended periods. This hotline advises people with disabilities and medical needs on the best ways to get to the airport.
Bring All Medications
The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality suggests taking enough prescription medications to last the length of your trip. You may want to carry extra prescriptions to be safe. Also, your doctor can prescribe pain medication for flare-ups during travel. Pack your medications in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. Also, bring copies of all your doctor’s prescriptions with you in case of accidental loss.
Stay Active
If you travel by car, stop every one to two hours and walk around. Even a short walk can help ease psoriatic arthritis pain and stiffness. When you travel by airplane or train, walk up and down the aisle several times during your trip. Just a few minutes of walking or stretching can greatly help the stiffness and fatigue of PsA. Continue using ice or heat therapy to ease your joint pain during travel. You can bring heat wraps and fill a plastic bag with ice to place on swollen joints in a car, plane, or train. Don’t hesitate to use self-care to reduce pain.
Take Time to Rest
“Taking time daily to calm yourself is important in reducing anxiety and managing a chronic illness,” says John Berg, PhD, ABPP, a Florida-based licensed psychologist. During your trip, use your calming time to lie down or prop your legs on a chair. Whether you close your eyes, catch up on email, or finish your latest book — your body is getting that much-needed rest so it can continue your active travel pace. You can rejoin your companions later when you are feeling less pain, stiffness, and stress.
