More than 40 million Americans suffer from some form of arhtritis, and many have chronic pain that limits daily activity, according to Melody St. John, M. D., internal medicine physician who specializes in rheumatology with the Hot Springs Medical Group, P.A. The word "arthritis" literally means joint inflammation, but is often used to refer to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.

"The pain of arthritis varies greatly from person to person, for reasons that we don't yet understand completely," Dr. St. John said. "Factors that contribute to the pain include swelling within the joint, the amount of heat or redness present, or damage that has occurred within the joint."

In addition, activities affect pain differently so that some patients note pain in their joints after first getting out of bed in the morning, whereas others develop pain after prolonged use of the joint.

Carrying luggage, changing planes to walking long distances might keep you from traveling if you have arthritis. However, there's good news. Today it's easier to travel with arthritis than ever before. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act make travel more accessible for people who need special help.

When planning your trip, Dr. St. John advises arthritis sufferers to be realistic about your capabilities. Rock climbing might not be the best vacation choice. A mountain-top helicopter excursion, though, could be enjoyable.

Choose a vacation that allows flexibility. Consider how you'll spend a day alone if your travel companions plan strenuous activities or extensive sightseeing. Remember that frequent rest periods may be the most important ingredient for a satisfying trip. If you overdo it and your arthritis flares, your trip may not be as enjoyable.

Read travel guides, including those geared toward people with disabilities. Talk to people with arthritis who have taken trips similar to the one you're considering. Also include your doctor in your trip planning.

Your physician can review your medications and your immunizations (especially for foreign travel) and can provide a letter summarizing your medical history and medication needs. When packing medications, take more than enough to last through your trip and carry them in their original, labeled containers. It's best to transport medicines in carry-on luggage in case you're separated from your checked bags, although some travelers pack duplicates in their luggage.

If you need medications kept cool, ask train or airline personnel to put them in a refrigerator. You may prefer to carry medications in a vacuum flask, or similar container. Along with your medication, bring copies of your prescriptions, your doctor's name and telephone/fax numbers, a summary of your medical history, and a list of your medications. Your doctor can also offer advice on basic pain relief approaches, such as using a cane (folding ones are available for travel), comfortable walking shoes, plastic bags to make an ice pack, wheeled luggage, fanny packs, back packs or bags with straps that can be worn across the chest rather than on the shoulder, requesting handicapped rooms and letting the airline know to have a wheelchair or electric cart available. PACK LIGHT Remember to pack light -- a good rule for any traveler. Use lightweight luggage with wheels or shoulder straps that can be placed across the chest to better distribute the weight. Make room for any aids you use daily, such as a raised toilet seat, long-handled reachers, special pillows or a heating pad. If you have electrical appliances or aids and are traveling to a foreign country, you may need to pack a special plug or voltage adapter. Always check the climate for your destination to decide what type of clothing will be most appropriate. Anything that can be layered lets you adapt easily to weather changes. Pack loose clothings that allows maximal freedom of movement. For warm weather destinations, throw in sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Be sure to take comfortable shoes. Ask porters and taxicab drivers to carry your luggage whenever possible. At the airport, check your bags at the curb whenever possible. Carry small bills for tipping people who assist you. Preferred Partners Check out the best in local home-related services. Automated E-mail Listings Service Sign up to automatically receive new listings today! Home Advice Get the answers on home selling and buying. Real Estate News Find out what's happening in real estate. Articles ARKANSAS OKTOBERFEST RECIPE OF THE MONTH Pet Care Traveling with Arthritis Pain Favorite Links Hot Springs Schools FREE REPORTS Mortgage as Investment Loan Purchasing Strategies Maximizing Your Buying Power No Closing Cost Refinances Rate Lock Frequently Asked Questions Current Lenders Private Mortgage Insurance Paying Points Negative Amortization Loan to Value Ratio Mortgage Glossary Spa Realty, Inc. Phone (501) 623-3444 Fax (501) 623-6487 Toll Free (888) 708-3444 E-Mail Us -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1429 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 Copyright © 1998 PCL Media, Ltd. HOMES.COM is the largest Internet real estate site with hundreds of thousands of homes for sale and apartment rentals with photos, descriptions, and relocation services. Legal Notices The advertisers, associate publishers, and publisher are not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

Your doctor can also offer advice on basic pain relief approaches, such as using a cane (folding ones are available for travel), comfortable walking shoes, plastic bags to make an ice pack, wheeled luggage, fanny packs, back packs or bags with straps that can be worn across the chest rather than on the shoulder, requesting handicapped rooms and letting the airline know to have a wheelchair or electric cart available.

Remember to pack light -- a good rule for any traveler. Use lightweight luggage with wheels or shoulder straps that can be placed across the chest to better distribute the weight.

Make room for any aids you use daily, such as a raised toilet seat, long-handled reachers, special pillows or a heating pad. If you have electrical appliances or aids and are traveling to a foreign country, you may need to pack a special plug or voltage adapter.

Always check the climate for your destination to decide what type of clothing will be most appropriate. Anything that can be layered lets you adapt easily to weather changes. Pack loose clothings that allows maximal freedom of movement. For warm weather destinations, throw in sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Be sure to take comfortable shoes.

Ask porters and taxicab drivers to carry your luggage whenever possible. At the airport, check your bags at the curb whenever possible. Carry small bills for tipping people who assist you.