PADUCAH — Travel season is in full swing and Mercy Health reminds travelers with joint pain or replacements to plan ahead to maximize comfort and mobility.
“People often underestimate how travel affects their joints, especially after hip or knee replacement,” Ryan T. Beck, MD said in a release. “Sitting too long can cause stiffness and swelling and changes in routine can throw off medication or activity schedules.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one million joint replacements are performed each year in the U.S. Many patients resume normal activity, including travel, within months.
To prevent pain and retain mobility, health professionals recommend movement.
“Plan to stand, stretch, or walk every 30 to 60 minutes on planes or car trips,” Mercy’s release read. “Wearing compression socks can help reduce swelling and lower your blood clot risk.”
Health professionals also recommend packing smart, drinking plenty of fluids, and having essential medical information handy.
“It’s absolutely possible to travel safely after a joint replacement. It just takes a little planning,” continued Dr. Beck. “Our goal is to help patients stay active and enjoy life without pain.”
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