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Osteoarthritis: Living Well With Joint Pain
Summary
Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that affects your joints, especially in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It is different from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in your joints breaks down, causing pain and stiffness. Staying active is important, even when you have pain, to keep your joints moving and strong.
What Is This & Why It Matters
This handout helps you understand osteoarthritis and how to manage it. By following these tips, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.
What You Should Do
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.
- Try land exercises such as stretching, strength training, and yoga.
- Consider aquatic exercises in a pool, which are gentle on your joints.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the load on your joints.
- Use pain relief methods like acetaminophen or topical anti-inflammatory creams.
- Practice joint protection techniques, like using proper body mechanics.
- Explore assistive devices, like canes or braces, to help with daily tasks.
- Talk to your doctor about options for injections or joint replacement if needed.
What You Should NOT Do
- Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping.
- Don’t stay inactive; it can worsen joint stiffness and pain.
- Avoid using heat or cold packs for too long to prevent skin damage.
- Don’t ignore pain; listen to your body and adjust activities accordingly.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal — Expected
- Mild joint pain after activity.
- Stiffness in joints after sitting for a while.
- Swelling in the affected joints.
Call Your Doctor If...
- Severe pain that does not improve with rest.
- Swelling that does not go away.
- Fever or chills along with joint pain.
- Inability to move a joint normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
A: Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints.
Q: How can exercise help with my joint pain?
A: Exercise strengthens muscles around the joints, increases flexibility, and helps manage weight, which can reduce pain.
Q: Are there any risks with pain medications?
A: Yes, some pain medications can have side effects. It's important to follow your doctor's advice on using them.
Q: When should I use assistive devices?
A: Assistive devices can help when you experience pain or difficulty moving. They provide support and can make daily tasks easier.
Q: How do I know when to see a doctor?
A: If you have severe pain, swelling, or any new symptoms that worry you, it's important to call your doctor.