If you have arthritis, you know that it can be difficult to do everyday activities, like getting in and out of a car and driving. However, many cars are out there now that take this into account and provide features that make it easier for people with arthritis to drive cars without pain.
Let’s talk about some features to look for when buying a car if you have arthritis and where you can go in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, FL, for world-class orthopedic care.
What Are Arthritis and What Are the Symptoms?
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis symptoms vary from person to person, and some people may not experience all of the symptoms. The most common symptoms of arthritis are:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
How Does Arthritis Affect Driving?
Arthritis can affect driving in several ways. Arthritis in the hands and arms can make it difficult to grip and turn the steering wheel. Arthritis in the ankles and feet can make it difficult to hit the brake or gas pedals, and arthritis in the neck can make it difficult to look over your shoulder and check your blind spot when changing lanes.
Arthritis-Friendly Cars – Features to Look for in a Car
Here are some of the features to look for when buying a car:
- Large mirrors – This will help you see what’s going on around your car without you having to crane your neck to check your blind spots.
- Seatbelt extenders – These extensions make it easier to grab the seatbelt and buckle it in.
- Basic hand controls – These controls allow you to operate the car using just your hands, which can be helpful if you have difficulty using your feet. This feature can be added at the dealership or at most auto repair shops, and in rental cars.
- Voice-activated controls – This allows you to control various functions of the car using just your voice, such as getting navigation, changing the volume, or the temperature in the car, all without having to fiddle with buttons.
- Back-up cameras – This is a camera built into the back of your car that turns on when you are backing up so that you don’t have to twist your head and neck to look out of the back window to see what is behind you when backing up out of the parking spot.
Take a Test Drive
Make sure to take a test drive when considering a new car with assistive features to help with your arthritis. Focus on the assistive features and consider if they are making a difference and making driving easier for you. Additionally, it’s important to bring any assistive devices like a walker or cane along to your test drive so you can make sure you can get those in and out of the car easily.
Arthritis Treatment at Advanced Orthopedic Center
Although many cars now have assistive features that can make it easier and less painful for people with arthritis to drive and get where they need to go, your arthritis may still flare up from time to time. If that happens, don’t hesitate to visit Advanced Orthopedic Center. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and certified physician assistants are more than happy to help manage arthritis flare-ups and help relieve your pain.
To make an appointment with us, call us today at (941) 639-6699, or request an appointment here.
We look forward to seeing you!
