From the article: 10 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain
Since osteoarthritis is a chronic disease, patients must learn how to best manage the condition. From your own experience, what advice can you offer newly-diagnosed osteoarthritis patients?
Without discussing specific medications, since everyone is different, please answer more generally. Does being compliant with your medication regimen help? What else works well -- exercise, getting good sleep, lower stress levels?
What single thing (or a few things) had the most positive impact on managing osteoarthritis, such that you would advise others to do the same? Share your best bit of osteoarthritis advice.
Tell What Works WellBledsoe knee braces and hydrotherapy
- I have been wearing Bledsoe medial off-loading knee braces and doing hydrotherapy for two years. I stopped taking all my medication two months ago and the pain is no worse. Internally, I feel so much better without experiencing the side effects of long-term use of medication. I have found that the only comfortable way to wear the braces is on the outside of my jeans - prevents heat rash and blisters. They don't make a very good fashion statement but they sure help with pain relief. When I start to get sore, I know it is time to put my feet up with a cuppa and good book. I spend an hour doing hydrotherapy exercises in our cold saltwater pool (ranges between 20 to 30 degrees C) during Spring, Summer and Autumn. I tried using a heated public pool in winter but found the water was too hot, made my joints ache and I felt sick. Instead, during the winter, I lace my homemade soup with fresh garlic, ginger and basil. Fresh sweet basil leaves in boiling water make a great anti-inflammatory tea.
- —Vonniebee
Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Disc
- Keep moving every day, take medication as directed, try to get plenty of rest and eat well balanced meals especially with your medication! My "better half" recently purchased a warming mattress pad that slips over the matress pad and you plug it in and set each individual controls (2) to your desired temperature per each side, his and hers! It seems to help! Also, watch what you do and how you do it, safety first! Do not be afraid to ask for help, such as in lifting , moving items and carrying items! Keep in touch with your doctor, call him or her in between appointments if necessary! Well it is late and I must try to rest now, so keep in touch and good luck!!
- —Guest Bob Singley
Comfortable Bed Helps Posture and Pain
- At the end of the financial year, my husband and I went shopping for a new King Size ensemble. We managed to get a King Koil five-comfort-zone bed for half price at Forty Winks. It has made a huge difference in just the last couple of weeks. The extra space and special comfort zones prevent partner disturbance, support my spine, and allow space for my extra pillows that I need to support my limbs and feet. I am sleeping much better and I am not experiencing as much pain when I get up each morning. It is so much more comfortable than our old Queen Size bed with broken and outdated springs. I think that being able to sleep in comfort makes a huge difference in facing the challenges associated with severe generalised OA.
- —Vonniebee
As Little Medicine as Possible
- Do exercises and use voltaren gel and pray! Get a good doctor. Use common sense and as little medicine as possible to function.
- —Guest eileen lederman
Soaking and Hand Exercises
- Since I am a cardiac patient, I cannot take most of the drugs shown to help. So I take (1) 500mg. Tylenol tablet 3X a day, plus daily I soak my hands in hot water in the kitchen sink and do hand exercises.
- —HaroldMGreen
