Wellness Center

How to Live with Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the bone and joint disease, can be painful and debilitating. The good news is that you have a lot of control over the problems of osteoarthritis.

Exercise and Rest

One of the best treatments for osteoarthritis is physical exercise. Exercise can help increase flexibility, strengthen the heart, decrease pain, improve mood, maintain weight, and promote overall physical fitness. Physical activity is cheap and easy. You can do it at home any time of the day or night. Work closely with your doctor to develop a plan that is safe and effective.

Rest helps reduce swelling and allows healing. Relaxation techniques can help you to reduce tension and sleep better.

Pain Relief

There are numerous ways to attack pain. Warm towels, hot packs, hot baths, hot tubs, or hot showers can relieve pain and relax muscles. Ice and cold packs may help reduce swelling. Check with your doctor or physical therapist to help determine whether heat or cold might work best for you.

Weight Control

If you are overweight, losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight will take pressure off sore joints. A healthy diet and active lifestyle will help.

Medications

Medications can reduce pain and swelling and help improve overall functioning. Medications may also have unintended side effects, so use them with care. Several types of pain reducing medications are commonly used, and most are available over-the-counter.

• NSAIDs - known to us as aspirin, Advil^® Motrin^®, Aleve^®, and others can reduce swelling and relieve pain. They can also cause stomach irritation or affect your kidney functions. Long use of NSAIDs increases the risk of side effects.

• COX-2 inhibitors - available only by prescription, operate much like NSAIDs but have fewer side effects. Talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of these medications.

• Acetaminophen - known most commonly as Tylenol^®, does not reduce swelling or upset the stomach, but does relieve pain. If you have liver disease, take a blood thinner, or drink heavily, you should ask your doctor about the safety of taking acetaminophen.

Other medications are also used in the form of spray, creams, and injections. Ask your doctor for more information. In severe cases of joint damage, hip or knee replacement surgery may be necessary.

Summary

Most people with osteoarthritis can manage their condition with a program that includes:

• Regular physical activity

• Rest and joint care

• Pain relief techniques

• Weight control and management

• Pain relief medications

Source:

1. Osteoarthritis. National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis of specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt professional medical attention if you have a particular concern about your health or specific symptoms. Wellsource, Inc. is not liable for any health consequences resulting from your use of this site.