For those who are in the pink of health and enjoy the full range of motion of their bones and joints, operating machinery or motor vehicles doesn’t require much effort.
The same cannot be said, however, for those who suffer from arthritis or rheumatism. In some instances, the condition is so severe that even the most basic of operations can be nearly impossible to accomplish. It’s like wearing a straitjacket.
According to bone and joint specialists, swollen and stiff joints caused by arthritis or rheumatism can limit the movement of shoulders, hands, head and neck, to the extent that even putting on a safety belt, or looking over one’s shoulder to check blind spots, is hard to do. Arthritis can make it difficult to open the car door, grasp and turn the steering wheel, or step on the brake and accelerator pedals. Simply just entering and exiting the car can be an agonizing chore. When such movements are stifled, safe driving is compromised.
The Bone and Joint Action Week, which observes its last day today, puts the spotlight on this painful reality for motorists who have been suffering from varying degrees of arthritis or rheumatism. Their condition may have been further exacerbated by being holed up in their homes for long periods because of pandemic restrictions.
It doesn’t mean, though, that these debilitating diseases should render its sufferers helpless. Apart from the current medical treatments recommended by specialists, there are simple, easy-to-do exercises to help mitigate the pain and add more range to joint movements.
Dr. Michael L. Tee, MD, professor of Physiology, Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, and the Vice Chancellor of University of the Philippines Manila, recommends motorists who are about to resume their pre-pandemic routines outside to “maintain routine exercise to keep muscle tone and balance.”
For those about to embark on a long road trip after being cooped up in their homes for so long, Tee advises them to make frequent stops along the way to stretch and make driver changes, if possible.
The US National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has addressed the issue of arthritis and rheumatism among motorists, and has released guidelines answering the question: “Can I still drive with arthritis?”
According to the US NHTSA: “Yes, most people can drive safely with arthritis. It depends on which joints are affected, and how well you and your doctor are able to manage your condition. Your doctor will work with you and your loved ones to manage your care.
“If you use medicine to treat your arthritis, make sure it doesn’t make you sleepy. Ask your doctor about other treatments that can help with your pain, swelling, and soreness—treatments that will not make it difficult to drive safely.
“Arthritis can limit your movement and strength, so try to stay fit and active. Doing so will help you to keep driving safely. Ask your doctor about exercises to keep your joints strong and supple.”
Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not strictly a disease of the aged. Tee said that there are different types of arthritis affecting even youngsters.
Dr. Michael L. Tee, MD, professor of Physiology, Internal Medicine and Rheumatology
“Some are due to aging, such as osteoarthritis; some due to auto-immune conditions, i.e. rheumatoid arthritis; and some are metabolic, i.e. gout. So, therapies should be tailor-fit to the conditions. Even the young can have arthritis, so it is important that patients consult doctors so that appropriate treatments can be given. Generally, proper nutrition, enough sleep and exercise should be practiced,”
Tee also pointed out sarcopenia and osteoporosis, which develop as a person ages. Sarcopenia pertains to progressive and generalized muscle loss, while osteoporosis refers to the weakening of the bone resulting in its fragility.
“Exercise, proper nutrition and exposure to sunlight for vitamin D production are important ways of slowing down the onset of sarcopenia and osteoporosis,” said Tee.
A 2015 study, cited by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, found that people eating a whole-food, plant-based diet significantly decreased their osteoarthritis pain—in as short as two weeks. By the end of the six-week study, they reported more energy and better physical functioning, as well.
Web MD cited research suggesting that cutting back on animal protein may prevent some inflammatory types of arthritis.
