Living and Coping With Osteoarthritis
From Carol Eustice, former About.com Guide
- Living With Chronic Osteoarthritis
- Continuing to Work
- Preparing for Disability
- Dealing With Family and Friends
Living With Chronic Osteoarthritis
Depending on which joint is affected by osteoarthritis, mobility and manual dexterity may be affected. Everyday tasks and chores, which are effortless for most people, may become difficult for a person living with osteoarthritis. It can be frustrating until you resolve to find solutions.
- Coping Tips for Osteoarthritis Patients
- Fatigue and Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis Aids Make Living With Osteoarthritis Easier
- Osteoarthritis Patients Fight Depression
- Surviving Cold Weather With Osteoarthritis
- Self-Management Programs for Osteoarthritis
- Safe Driving Must Not Be Compromised by OA Patients
- Elderly Falls Tied to Canes and Walkers
- When Does Living Alone Become a Major Mistake?
- Share Your Story - Referred to Occupational Therapy?
- Share Your Story - Can You Always Stop Before You Overdo Activities?
- 5 Things You Shouldn't Do if You Have OA
Continuing to Work
Depending on your job, joints affected by osteoarthritis may make it more difficult to perform your duties. So that you can continue working, try to make adjustments to your work schedule or to the workplace itself. It may be necessary to find another job that is more suitable to your current physical status. If you are standing all day at work and you have a painful knee, consider finding another job which would allow you to sit most or part of the day. The key is to adapt and adjust.
- Workplace Stress - Solutions for People With Osteoarthritis
- Joint Protection Advice for People With Arthritis
- Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Helps Adventure Racer Robyn Benincasa
- Joint Load and Osteoarthritis
Preparing for Disability
If you become unable to work, it may be time to apply for disability benefits. You should fully understand the disability benefits offered by your employer as well as Social Security Disability benefits. Do you qualify? How do you begin the process? How is the amount of your benefit determined? It can be a complicated process. Have patience.
Dealing With Family and Friends
It can be very difficult to get the people who are closest to you to understand your physical limitations. Strive to have good communication and work at turning misunderstanding into understanding. Your friends and family can learn about osteoarthritis by reading books, attending support groups, and from information available online. Most of all, they need to listen and respond to your needs.
- Family And Friends: Do They Understand Your Arthritis?
- Family and Marital Issues
- Explaining Arthritis to Your Children
- How Osteoarthritis Can Affect Sexual Health
Understanding Your Emotions
Living with pain every day can test your emotions. You may feel frustrated, angry, sad, fearful, or even hopeful. On any given day the swirl of emotions may surprise you. Learn to understand why you feel the way you do, and how to respond to those emotions.
Positive Actions
A positive attitude and taking positive action will help you cope with osteoarthritis. Learn all you can about the disease, get an accurate diagnosis, be compliant with your treatment plan, and surround yourself with supportive people. Whether you are at home, work, or in social situations, make adjustments that will allow you to remain comfortable. Also, correct the risk factors that you can control and do all that is possible to control your pain.
- Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain
- Nintendo Wii Can Be Therapeutic
- Self-Assessment - How Well Are You Managing Your Osteoarthritis?
- Continue Your Hobbies Despite Arthritis
- Will Rest Ease Osteoarthritis Pain?
- Reasons to Stay Active
- How to Sleep Better With Osteoarthritis
- Walking Helps You Cope With Osteoarthritis
Assistive Devices for Osteoarthritis
Assistive devices, also referred to as adaptive equipment or arthritis gadgets, are products designed specifically to compensate for lost range of motion and disability due to arthritis. There are many assistive devices available -- you just need to know they are out there.
