Tips for Riding in a Car When You Have Arthritis

Caring for a loved one with arthritis involves many challenges, especially when it comes to transportation. Arthritis can cause joint stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, making car rides uncomfortable or even unsafe for seniors. As a caregiver, understanding how to prepare for and assist during travel can make a significant difference in your loved one’s comfort and safety.

Before You Get in the Car Caregivers can help older adults prepare their bodies and essentials before the journey begins Stretch and Exercise Caregivers can help older adults prepare their bodies before the journey begins. Encourage gentle stretching, mobility movements, or balance exercises to loosen stiff joints. This is especially important because arthritis often limits flexibility in the hips, knees, and back, which are key areas for getting in and out of a car. Consider consulting a physical or occupational therapist for tailored exercises. Hydration and Nutrition Staying hydrated and eating healthy meals also helps prevent fatigue and joint discomfort. Dehydration can increase muscle cramps and fatigue, which in turn may worsen joint pain.

Pack Medical Essentials

Packing essentials such as physician contacts, medication lists, refill information, and pain management aids like hot or cold packs can provide reassurance during travel. Arthritis flare-ups can sometimes come on unexpectedly, so having these items on hand ensures you can address pain or swelling right away.

Plan Your Breaks

Prolonged sitting in one position increases stiffness and soreness, and static posture puts extra stress on muscles and joints. Schedule stops approximately every two hours to allow your loved one to get out of the car for stretching and walking. Adjust The Seats Adjusting the seat height so the hips are not too low can also make it easier to get in and out. A higher seat means less bending, which reduces strain on joints.

Entering and Exiting The Vehicle

Moving carefully and methodically improves safety and reduces pain. Moving slowly and carefully reduces strain on the joints. Arthritis can limit flexibility in the hips and knees, so quick movements may increase the chance of joint pain or imbalance. One caregiver can help from the outside while another offers support from the inside of the car. It is useful to ask which limb feels stronger to determine the safest side for support.

Enter with the Backwards methods Have the older adult face away from the seat, sit down first, and then swivel both legs into the car. This technique is easier on the back, hips, and knees because it avoids twisting and reduces pressure on one leg.

Staying Comfortable During the Ride Caregivers can encourage older adults to move gently even while seated. Ask them to push one foot forward, lift their heels or toes, or make small posture adjustments. These movements improve circulation and prevent joints from becoming too stiff. For those with lower back or hip arthritis, light arching forward and backward against the seat may relieve pressure

Exit Slowly

When it is time to get out, remind the older adult not to rush. Encourage them to place both feet on the ground before standing. Give them a moment to check for dizziness, weakness, or pain before moving forward. Arthritis can make joints unstable, and caregivers can reduce the risk of falls by giving older adults time to steady themselves. Offering a supportive hand or guiding them to use a door frame or assist handle can provide additional stability.

Transportation Aids

You can consider aids that can make car travel more comfortable. Swivel seat cushions allow older adults to turn more easily when entering or exiting. Car door assist handles and running boards provide stability and reduce the strain of climbing into taller vehicles. Running boards, which are step-like platforms attached below the doors of taller cars, reduce how high someone has to lift their legs. Below are some items available on Amazon that can help caregivers and older adults with arthritis during when entering or exiting a vehicle. stay hydrated and nourished. If you purchase through our links, Elder Love USA will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

HealthSmart Swivel Seat Cushion 360-degree rotating seat cushion with a non-skid base and padded leatherette surface for easier movement in and out of seats

Buy Here

Running Boards

Step platforms available in many styles and sizes to fit different cars, designed to reduce the height needed to enter or exit a vehicle. You can choose one that fits your vehicle

Buy Here

KOUNATSURI Elderly Support Handle Portable car assist handle that fits into most vehicle door latches, providing leverage and stability for entering or exiting

Buy Here

---

This article was made by Elder Love USA. Our mission is to provide compassionate and affordable in-home care that allows older adults to remain comfortable and safe in their own homes. Whether you need respite, companionship, or assistance with daily living activities, Elder Love USA is here to help make caregiving more manageable and accessible for families. We proudly serve Riverside County, CA, San Diego County, CA, San Bernardino County, CA, Orange County, CA, Imperial County, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.

If you’d like to learn more about how our services can benefit you or your loved one, contact us today.

Learn More