Osteoarthritis Health Center

Even though doctors and specialists often play a large role in arthritis treatment, they aren't the only ones with the power to manage arthritis — you also must take steps to control your arthritis. Studies have shown that osteoarthritis patients who take part in their own care report less pain and fewer visits to the doctor.

The key to living well with arthritis involves making changes to your everyday life. Here are some habits that may help you manage arthritis and feel better in the process:

Learn About Osteoarthritis

By learning more about osteoarthritis, you can play a more active role in your treatment. Three different types of programs help people better understand osteoarthritis and what it takes to live well with the disease. These programs include the following:

• patient education programs
• arthritis self-management programs
• arthritis support groups

These programs cover a range of topics that all people with osteoarthritis can benefit from knowing. They can teach people about osteoarthritis itself, as well as its treatments, exercise and relaxation techniques, how patients and doctors can better communicate, and problem solving.

Research has shown that patients who participate in these programs have a better chance for positive outcomes. Patients in self-management programs find that they have a better understanding of their disease, have less pain while staying active, more easily cope with their condition, have greater control over the disease, and build confidence in their ability to stay active and independent.

Stay Active

Regular physical activity is central to self-care and wellness while living with arthritis. The following are the four types of exercise important in the management of osteoarthritis:

• Strengthening exercises
• Aerobic exercises
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Balance and agility exercises

Always remember to warm up before an exercise session and start slowly.

Talk to your doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program. These experts can tell you which exercises are best for you and which ones may cause problems.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Although there is no specific diet recommended for people with osteoarthritis, patients should eat a healthy diet to control their weight. Keeping off extra pounds minimizes stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and joints in the feet. Eating a healthy diet also reduces the risk of developing other health issues.

Get Plenty of Rest

Getting plenty of sleep is healthy for anyone. But for those with osteoarthritis, sufficient sleep can help reduce main and improve other aspects of the disease. Tell your doctor or physical therapist if arthritis pain is making it hard for you to sleep at night; these health professionals may be able to give you advice on mattress choices, sleeping positions, and timing of medications that can improve your sleep quality. Also, you may improve your sleep by getting enough exercise early in the day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol at night, keeping your bedroom quiet and cool, and taking a warm bath before bed.

Enjoy Yourself

Having osteoarthritis definitely does not mean you have to stop having fun. If osteoarthritis has made it harder to do activities you used to enjoy, ask your doctor or occupational therapist for new ways to do those activities. Continuing to do the things you love can keep your mind off of arthritis pain and may make you happier.

Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive attitude is one of the best things you can do for your health. It's no easy task to stay positive in the face of the challenges posed by osteoarthritis, but patients must make the most of those challenges. This positive mindset — one set on improving and maintaining good health — is an important part of arthritis management.