Osteoarthritis: tips for improving daily life in osteoarthritis  With OA

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* There are four stages of knee osteoarthritis.

Does Pain Limit Your Movement?

Try Some Easy FixesPrimary osteoarthritis destroys cartilage and that can make everyday activities like getting into and out of a car much more difficult. It is the most common type of arthritis and is associated with "wear and tear" of joints. It is different than rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Treatment can help ease certain symptoms but you may need to work around your condition. You have to be creative with how you move your body when you have arthritis. This can help limit stress on painful joints. A less painful way to get into the car involves backing into the seat slowly. Once you're sitting, swing both legs around together. You can do the same movement in reverse to get out of the car. Swing your legs out first then slide to the edge of the seat so you can stand up more easily. A beaded seat cover can help you do these movements more easily. Swivel seat cushions are also available to make it easier to get into and out of a car with osteoarthritis of the hips and knees.

Get a Handle on Simple Tasks

Aids Make a Big DifferenceDoing common things that many people take for granted, including pushing microwave buttons, can be difficult for those suffering from osteoarthritis joint pain. Severe cartilage destruction means bone comes into painful contact with bone. Simple everyday activities, like eating and brushing your teeth, can be challenging. Simple aids can help you work around these challenges when you have a health condition like osteoarthritis. Try placing sponge hair rollers around the handles of your toothbrush and utensils to make holding them easier. Use a dowel or a ruler with a rubber stopper on the end to push buttons on the microwave, TV, and other appliances. Quick fixes like these make living with the disease easier.

Choose Sensible Footwear

Elastic Laces Are a Good ChoiceIt's important to get exercise, even when you have osteoarthritis. Walking may be painful, but wearing shoes with adequate cushioning and good arch support can take the strain off of your knees. Tying shoe laces may be difficult. Elastic laces can be a big help. The first time you wear a pair of shoes with elastic laces, have someone else put them on and tie the laces for you. Leave the laces tied so you can then slip the shoes on and off easily. You can use a shoehorn if you need extra help. If you have flat feet, hammertoes, bone spurs (osteophytes), high arches, or other foot condition, see an orthopedist for treatment. You're more likely to stress joints if your gait isn't right. Wearing orthotics may help not just your feet, but your knees and hips to feel better, too. Swimming can be an ideal form of exercise for those with osteoarthritis. You're more likely to exercise when you feel well.

Get Rolling in the Kitchen

Why Stand When You Can Sit?Standing for long periods of time may be challenging when you have osteoarthritis, especially in the kitchen while preparing food and doing dishes. Use an adjustable chair or stool on wheels so you can sit instead of stand during meal prep and kitchen clean up. To minimize trips to the fridge and the pantry, use a rolling utility cart to keep food items, ingredients, and spices close by. A pizza wheel is a handle item to have on hand in the kitchen. Use it to cut not only pizza but also lasagna, sandwiches, and other foods. Using a pizza wheel is easier on joints in your hands and wrists than using a knife

Take the Stress Off Smaller Joints
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Smart Moves Protect JointsAltering the way you do everyday activities can help take the pressure off of smaller joints. Use larger joints and muscles of your body, when you can, to do activities. Hips are great for closing cabinets and doors. You can also carry large items, like a laundry basket, supported on your hip to take some of the strain off your arms. Be careful with this move if you have osteoarthritis of the hip or spine. Always use two hands instead of one to carry items like pots and pans. It's good to place one hand underneath a large item and one on top or on the side for extra stability. If you're having trouble with everyday tasks, ask your doctor about osteoarthritis treatment. Medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help arthritis patients control pain and inflammation.

Conserve Energy While Grocery Shopping

Shopping Can Be TaxingGrocery shopping may take a lot out of you, either because you are in pain or because you don't have a lot of energy. There are more and more grocery delivery services available. Have groceries delivered to you, if possible. If you have to go shopping yourself, use the following information to make it easier.Be organized. Have a list and organize the list so you can pick up items in the store as efficiently as possible.Sit down periodically in the store if you need to rest.Lean on the shopping cart to take the strain off your body.Ask the person bagging your groceries for help taking them to the car.At home, include family members in the task of carrying groceries into the house.Once inside, put away the perishables first. You can rest if you need to before unpacking nonperishable items.

Squat with Care

Don't Stress Your KneesLifting something heavy while bending at the waist is a risk factor for a back injury. To lift something heavy, experts generally recommend you should squat to protect the health of your back. However, squatting can be tough on osteoarthritis knees. Doing squats is a great exercise to build up the strength in your hips and legs. If your doctor says it is safe for you, go ahead and squat, but do it right. Support your body as much as possible by holding on to a heavy piece of furniture or the edge of a countertop. Do not let your knees go beyond your ankles. Keep proper alignment to protect your knees. You can do squats over a chair in case you get too tired or have too much pain. That way you can sit down easily. People with osteoarthritis must move in ways that protect their joints. If knee osteoarthritis is severe, injections to the knee joint or knee replacement surgery may be treatment options.

Take Care with Stairs

Be Careful with Osteoarthritis of the KneeClimbing up and down stairs can be tough if you have hip osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients should avoid doing activities that aggravate knee osteoarthritis, if possible. Take the elevator and avoid stairs, if you can. If you cannot avoid stairs, use the handrail for support. To minimize knee pain, favor your better leg by leading with it to go upstairs. Lead with the bad leg while going downstairs. Remember the saying, "up with the good and down with the bad," to minimize symptoms. Osteoarthritis is a frustrating disease because it can affect your ability to do everyday activities. Concentrate on what you can do to avoid pain and provoking further degeneration. Armed with the right information, patients can be active and avoid common mistakes. If you're having difficulty climbing stairs or doing other activities, see your doctor to discuss treatment and minimize joint injury. Severe osteoarthritis can lead to deformity and falls.

Note: Before you start strength training, ask your physical therapist or doctor what exercises are best for you. And ask how to safely perform strength exercises so as not to get hurt. Exercise books and videotapes can also show you how to perform strength exercises correctly.