How to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis, a common disorder, can cause pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints. The joints typically affected by osteoarthritis are weight-bearing ones like the hips, knees, hands and spine. The condition can occur as cartilage degenerates due to aging. Other factors, such as obesity or a joint injury, may also cause cartilage degeneration leading to osteoarthritis. The pain associated with this disorder can severely affect a person's quality of life. Luckily, however, there are ways to manage this pain.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. See your doctor to confirm that you do have osteoarthritis. There are other diseases and types of arthritis that may also cause joint pain. If the diagnosis is osteoarthritis, your doctor can help with pain management.

2. Keep your weight in check. Being overweight can cause extra stress on the joints that can produce pain. If you're overweight, make some lifestyle changes, including implementing an exercise routine and healthy eating.

3. Exercise your joints. Try aerobics, swimming, walking, flexibility exercises and weight training to improve muscle strength. See the Resources below for other exercises.

4. Reduce stress through meditation, yoga or massage. Relieving stress can lessen muscle tension. Such tension may worsen osteoarthritis pain.

5. Use heat and cold therapy. These therapies are another way to relieve joint pain or stiffness. Cold packs can numb the pain, while heat pads or hot baths can relax your muscles.

6. Use drugs and various devices. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or pain cream can help to alleviate moderate osteoarthritis. Doctors can prescribe stronger medications, if necessary, including cortisone shots. Devices such as canes, walkers, elastic knee bands or braces can also help you cope.

7. Get surgery. When the pain is intolerable or there is too much damage to bone or cartilage, your doctor may recommend surgery. Osteoarthritis can affect hip and knee joints, and some people may require joint-replacement surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• Investigate other alternative techniques to manage osteoarthritis pain, such as acupuncture, Pilates or tai chi.
• Speak to a doctor before using any self-treatments for any medical condition.

References

• Mayo Clinic
• Arthritis Foundation
• Spinal health

Resources

• Exercises for osteoarthritis

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.