Me time Get in gear! Having arthritis and taking certain medication can affect your ability to drive heres what you need to know words: claire lavelle what about medication? the immunosuppressant drugs (steroids) that many people with arthritis take dont have side effects that affect your driving, says Dr hamdulay. But be careful with pain medication. opioids such as codeine or tramadol cause drowsiness, so dont drive if youve taken them. Anti-inflammatories and paracetamol are fine. Common pain medication for oA, such as amitriptyline, is also oK. O n the whole, people living with arthritis are as capable of driving safely and without cause for concern as those without the condition. However, there are certain drug combinations that could affect your driving ability, and there are warning signs to look out for that will suggest today might not be a good day for driving. A top tip is to listen to your body. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) affect individuals differently, and its important for each person to be able to assess their own suitability to drive, according to the levels of pain or fatigue they may be feeling that day, says Dr Shahir Hamdulay, consultant rheumatologist atBMI Clementine Churchill Hospital and regional chair for the British Society of Rheumatology. For instance, a person with RA who is experiencing a flare-up might find it hard to get into the car in the first place, let alone turn the steering wheel or use the gear stick. Someone with OA in their knee might find pushing the pedals uncomfortable. Generally, if the condition and pain are well managed, theres no reason you shouldnt carry on as normal. But if you feel that today is a day youd prefer not to take on physical challenges, accept that its the best decision for your own safety and that of others. get help to stay safe Whether youve been living with arthritis for a long time or have been diagnosed recently, you can attend a driving mobility centre (here) for advice onhow to make driving safer and more comfortable. You must also tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if your arthritis affects your ability to control a car, so that your fitness to drive can be assessed. Only in very extreme cases is a licence refused. Alsoinform the DVLA if youre applying for a provisional licence, as they will take yourcondition into account when you come to take your driving test, says DrHamdulay. You also have to declare the condition to insurers, but theres legal protection in place to make sure youre not penalised financially. Under the Equality Act 2010, insurance companies are not allowed to refuse disabled drivers insurance, or charge them extra, without justifying evidence. type of car Its also important to think about the kind of car you drive. Choosing an automatic model means less need to use the clutch, for instance, and power steering can help if your shoulders are stiff, says Dr Hamdulay. Make sure the doors open smoothly and that the seats arent too low. Check the ergonomics and adjust your seat position accordingly. If possible, take advice from an occupational therapist or driving mobility centre. If youre driving long distances, take regular breaks so you can stretch and loosen up. There are also modifications you can make to your vehicle to make driving easier for instance, different types of hand controls can be fitted to automatic cars if you cant use foot pedals. Panoramic mirrors can replace or be placed over a traditional rear-view mirror, which is helpful if you have a very stiff neck. Whatever your concerns, there are plenty of ways to adapt your car and your driving style to help you stay independent. Happy motoring! your medication
