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. |
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| 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. |
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| 3. | Stay active and fit Exercise is essential! Exercise can help keep your knee flexible, strengthen the muscles that support it and improve your general condition. Exercise can even relieve your pain. There are two types of exercise that are particularly effective for osteoarthritis of the knee:
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| 4. | Watch your weight Weight loss has a definite impact on pain and on progression of osteoarthritis of the knee, since the knee 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 your weight or consult a dietician if necessary. |
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| 5. | Heat or cold? Heat can help reduce stiffness and pain, and provide temporary relief. It can be helpful before exercising because it increases flexibility of the joint. Apply heat for 20-minute periods. Moist heat, like a hot bath, is preferable. If your knee is hot and inflamed, applying an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) has a temporary analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Apply ice for 10 minutes to the painful areas and repeat, as required, several times a day. Be careful, though. Heat or cold can both cause burns. If you are diabetic or have circulatory problems, talk to your doctor. |
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| 6. | Walking aids In moderate or severe cases of osteoarthritis of the knee, using a cane on the side opposite to the affected knee can reduce pain and improve mobility and safety. A good pair of shoes with cushioned soles will also make you more comfortable when walking. |
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| 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. Some patients have found acupuncture to be beneficial in providing temporary relief. |
Note :
Always consult your doctor before changing your diet or your level of physical activity.
