What you can do
| 1. | Be actively involved in your treatment You can help yourself and improve your quality of life. The Arthritis Society has developed education programs and its Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) to provide support and solutions for taking a more active role in the management of osteoarthritis. |
| 2. | Rest and protect your joints Don't try to do all of your tasks at one time. Divide them up over a day or a week, especially if they involve standing, walking or climbing stairs. Reorganize your workspace to save steps. Avoid lifting very heavy loads. |
| 3. | Stay active and fit Exercise is essential! Exercise can help keep your hip flexible, strengthen the muscles that support it and improve your general condition. Exercise can even relieve your pain. Swimming and stationary bicycling are good activities because they are low impact and avoid putting weight on the joint, while still giving you aerobic benefit. |
| 4. | Watch your weight The hip is a weight-bearing joint. You should review your eating habits to avoid excess weight and consider an exercise program. Talk to your doctor about it or consult a dietician if necessary. |
| 5. | Use heat Heat can help reduce stiffness and pain and provide temporary relief. It can be helpful before exercising because it increases the flexibility of the joint. Apply heat for 20-minute periods. Moist heat, like a hot bath, is preferable. Be careful, though. Heat can cause burns. If you are diabetic or have circulatory problems, talk to your doctor. |
| 6. | Walking aids Walking aids that take the weight off the joint can relieve the pain. Use a cane on the side opposite the affected hip. |
| 7. | Other therapeutic alternatives Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate occur naturally in the body and may be involved in the repair and maintenance of normal cartilage. In-depth studies investigating the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment or prevention of osteoarthritis are currently under way. |
Note :
Always consult your doctor before changing your diet or your level of physical activity.
