In addition to medical treatment, there are things you can do to help treat the physical and emotional symptoms that often accompany osteoarthritis:
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| Know your body |
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Pay attention to how you are feeling. You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing pain and stiffness in your joints for more than two weeks. It is important that you get an accurate diagnosis, as getting the right treatment quickly can mean less joint damage and reduced pain. |
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| Move around |
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Did you know that exercise can increase your range of motion, reduce fatigue, and help lessen pain? Walking is usually a good exercise for people with osteoarthritis. Talk to your doctor about which exercises may be appropriate for you. |
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| Take it off |
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Extra weight mean extra stress on your joints which can exacerbate osteoarthritis and the pain it can cause. |
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| Talk to your doctor |
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Doctor-patient communication is important to be able to assess and treat your osteoarthritis properly. To maximize your communication, give your doctor a good description of your pain, stiffness and joint function and how these have changed over time. |
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| Take a break |
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Exercise is great for your joints and overall well-being, but it is important to know when to stop. You need to recognize when your body is telling you to slow down or stop. |
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| Pack it on |
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An ice pack can help joint inflammation as the cold can help to constrict the blood vessels which can lead to a decrease in pain and swelling. Talk to your doctor about appropriate cold pack therapy and duration. |
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| Ride it out |
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Sitting in a car for long periods of time can cause your joints to become stiff and sore. To avoid this, try stopping about every hour and a half, get out of the car and stretch. |
Talk to your doctor further about appropriate lifestyle enrichment tips to help you manage your osteoarthritis symptoms.
