Traveling with neuropathy: essential tips for a comfortable journey
By Dr. Kenneth Horup
Contributor
It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, the Christmas lights are wrapped around the trees, and we are all gearing up to see our friends and family. Unfortunately, for many patients I see, and people you know, traveling is no longer as easy as it used to be. When suffering with peripheral neuropathy, along with other balance and foot conditions, unique challenges arise from travel. Maybe the pain in your feet is too much to even bother traveling. Consider requesting wheelchair assistance at the airport. It’s free and simple to obtain without a doctor’s note. I know walking long airport distances is difficult, and standing in the TSA lines can be exhausting. No matter the situation, my hope for each of you is to spend time with your friends and family, near and far, so this article will focus on some essential tips to help you travel more confidently and comfortably.
Let’s start with preparation. If you have neuropathy or any significant condition, please discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider. They can provide recommendations for your journey and help ensure that it is safe for you to travel. It may also be a good idea to request a travel letter explaining your condition and prescribed medications/equipment, just in case of emergency. When packing, make sure to take said letter, medications, snacks/water and comfort items that may make your trip easier. As a chiropractor, a good example of a comfort item is a travel neck pillow for improved posture if you doze off on the commute.
Additional items may increase comfort for patients with peripheral neuropathy. For example, heat packs are small and can help warm cold extremities, a common symptom. If you are traveling via airplane, compression socks may be recommended to reduce swelling when in the air. Also, keep your feet moving during the flight. You may experience an increase in tingling or pain in the feet when sitting for long durations. If that is the case, I encourage you to straighten out your legs, circle your ankles and wiggle your toes every 15 minutes to help the circulation in your feet while being stationary. If you’re going on a road trip, that advice can also apply, however, even better than small movements, I encourage you to plan rest stops once an hour. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, and walk for about five minutes before getting back in the car to continue your journey. If you suffer from tight/cramping muscles, you could bring a portable massager to assist in relieving that pain. Finally, if you are heading into colder climates, thick socks, gloves, thermal pants and other apparel can assist in keeping your extremities warm on vacation.
Traveling with peripheral neuropathy may require extra planning, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. By consulting your doctor, packing thoughtfully and incorporating these strategies, you can minimize discomfort and focus on the joy of seeing your loved ones. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and safe travels!
Dr. Kenneth Horup, DC is a Chiropractic Physician at Discover Specific Chiropractic, Board Certified in Neuropathy.
