Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Self-Care?Physical Self-CareMental Health Self-CareSocial Self-CareOA Management
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Self-Care?
Physical Self-Care
Mental Health Self-Care
Social Self-Care
OA Management
While you cannot reverse the joint damage of osteoarthritis (OA), you can manage its symptoms with self-care.Self-care can include exercises for OA, diet changes, relaxation strategies, social support, and more.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.It develops when cartilage, the flexible tissue that allows bones in a joint to glide over one another with movement, breaks down. OA causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
The most commonly affected joints are the hands, hips, back, and knees. OA is a degenerative (wear-and-tear) condition that can worsen with time. Most people develop OA as older adults, but it can also develop earlier.
andresr / Getty Images
Osteoarthritis and Self-Care: Reasons to Look After Yourself
Practicing self-carewith osteoarthritis means being informed about the condition and doing what you can to manage symptoms on your own. It also involves learning ways to cope with pain and improve joint function and mood.
A first-line treatment plan forosteoarthritisincludes patient education, creating a self-care management plan, engaging in physical activity, and managing weight.
Research shows that increasing physical activity and reducing excess body weight have the most significant effect on OA.In addition, relaxation and coping skills can help you to feel control over your OA and improve your outlook. Also, having a support network can help you feel better emotionally and physically, reduce isolation, and managedepressive symptoms.
Physical Osteoarthritis Self-Care
Anarthritis flare-upis a sudden worsening of arthritis symptoms. An osteoarthritis flare-up can mean increased pain and stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
The most common reasons you might experience an OA flare are overactivity or trauma to a joint. Other triggers of an OA flare may include poor sleep or weight gain.
What Causes Arthritis Flare-Ups & How to Treat Them
Physical activity can include daily activities such as housework, gardening, and walking to work and other places.If possible, add exercises to your daily routine, such as lifting weights, walking on a treadmill, taking a yoga class, or participating in aquatic therapy.These activities can improve your joint strength and flexibility.
Any increase in physical activity can help if you are currently inactive. After that, you can gradually increase your physical activity to at least 30 minutes a day at least four times a week.Consider working with aphysical therapistto develop an exercise plan and to find modifications that best manageOA symptoms.
Carrying excess body weight increases your risk for OA in your load-bearing joints (the knees, ankles, feet, and spine).Excess weight has also been linked to hand OA, which means there is a metabolic link to the condition.Therefore,achieving and maintaining a healthy weight when you have OAis essential.
What Is a Healthy Weight?Healthy weighthas no single definition.It is unique to body composition, age, sex, and other characteristics. A healthcare provider can help you determine what a healthy weight would be for you.
What Is a Healthy Weight?
Healthy weighthas no single definition.It is unique to body composition, age, sex, and other characteristics. A healthcare provider can help you determine what a healthy weight would be for you.
If you are overweight, even a 10% weight loss can reduce knee strain and joint pain.Losing weight may also delay or prevent the need for surgery related to OA bone,cartilage, or joint damage.
Healthy eating and exercise can help you lose weight and maintain it. If you are having trouble losing weight, talk to a healthcare provider about solutions that might help.
Osteoarthritis Self-Care for Mental Health
Living with osteoarthritis can be stressful, especially if you are experiencing high levels of pain or if the condition limits your mobility.
Symptoms of OA can come and go and worsen with time. Some days, you can do everything you need with little or no pain. On other days, the pain can be unbearable and affect your ability to do the simplest things.
The effects of OA can cause you to feel many different emotions, including anger and sadness.You may worry about becoming disabled or not being able to work or care for yourself. These feelings and worries are expected, and most people with OA have felt them at one time or another.
Research shows that depression is one of the most commoncomorbidities(coexisting conditions) of OA.It can affect prognosis, quality of life, and overall disease burden.
Getting HelpIf you are feeling depressed, unhappy, or angry a lot or most of the time, let a healthcare provider know. Managing these symptoms is vital to feeling your best and managing OA. Getting professional help is part of mental health self-care.
Getting Help
If you are feeling depressed, unhappy, or angry a lot or most of the time, let a healthcare provider know. Managing these symptoms is vital to feeling your best and managing OA. Getting professional help is part of mental health self-care.
Managing your mental health with OA can be straightforward. Ways to do so include:
Social Self-Care for Osteoarthritis
A solid social support system can play a vital role in improving the overall health and well-being of people with osteoarthritis. Research shows that chronic disease self-management programs are most effective when social support is available.
Social support can take several forms. It could be a friend or family member who helps with child care or who allows you to vent. It could be a partner who cleans the house or makes dinner so you can rest.
Social support can also come from a support group that offers education, advice, a listening ear, or tips and tools to help you manage OA day-to-day.
OA can affect many areas of life, including relationships with family members, romantic partners, friends, and coworkers. It can also test these relationships.
For example, the loss of a spouse’s health can create new challenges, including changes to family dynamics, management of household tasks, caring for loved ones, income, how couples communicate, and sexual intimacy.
Other family members (children, siblings, or parents) or friends may worry about you, think you are making excuses, or do not believe the extent that OA has on your life. Coworkers may resent you if you run late or leave early for medical appointments or if pain andfatiguekeep you from doing certain parts of your job.
OA, Self-Care, and Parenting
When you are caring for others, including children, managing a chronic disease like osteoarthritis can be a lot harder. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to care for children and other loved ones, but here are some ideas:
Evidence-Based Staples for Osteoarthritis Management
Exercise, weight loss, and physical therapy are not the only ways to manage OA and protect joints. Additional ways to manage OA include evidence-based options, such as the following.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices for osteoarthritis can take the stress off your joints and improve your ability to perform daily tasks.
Devices to help you manage osteoarthritis include:
Anoccupational therapistcan help you find tools to help you protect your joints and handle everyday tasks.
Supplements
The research on usingdietary supplements to manage OAis limited.Some dietary supplements investigated include:
Dietary supplements sidestep the rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations that are in place for drugs, which means safety and effectiveness are not guaranteed.
If you want to use a dietary supplement to manage OA symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider first. They can advise you on the safe use of supplements, especially if you are treating other health conditions.
Alternative Therapies
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 40% of people with OA have tried an alternative therapy for OA, such as acupuncture or massage.Many of these therapies have some evidence of their effectiveness, but most only offer small benefits:
SafetyIt is always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before trying a complementary or alternate therapy. They can consider your unique health situation and offer advice on the benefits and risks of an alternative therapy.
Safety
It is always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before trying a complementary or alternate therapy. They can consider your unique health situation and offer advice on the benefits and risks of an alternative therapy.
Topical Therapies
Topicals used to treat OA include:
Various studies have found evidence that topical pain relief therapies offer at least some pain relief for people with OA.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Research on heat and cold therapy for managing OA symptoms has found that both therapies effectively improve joint pain and function.
For OA heat therapy, take a warm shower or use a heating pad to reduce pain and stiffness. For cold therapy, use a commercial cold pack or homemade pack using ice cubes or a bag of frozen vegetables. Always use a protective barrier, like a towel, between your skin and the cold pack.
Four Stages of Osteoarthritis and How They Are ManagedOsteoarthritis has four stages: early, mild to moderate, advanced, and severe.Treatment for OA can differ based on how advanced your OA is.Early OA: In this early stage, symptoms are mild, and you may experience sporadic aches and pains. Treatment at this stage focuses on prevention strategies, such as lifestyle changes and self-care (exercise, weight loss, etc.).Mild to moderate OA: In the mild to moderate stage, OA starts progressing, and you will begin to have more noticeable and prolonged symptoms, including pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the affected joint or joints. You may experience stiffness and soreness after inactivity (sitting for long periods) or waking in the morning. Treatment in this stage may include self-care activities, OTC oral and topical pain relief medicines, and physical therapy.Advanced OA: With advanced-stage OA, there will be significant cartilage and bone changes, which can lead to more pain and discomfort. Symptoms will become persistent and interfere with your daily activities. There might also be tissue inflammation around the affected joint, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion. Treatment at this stage can include self-care, physical therapy, OTC pain relievers, prescription medicines, and joint infections, includingcorticosteroids.Severe OA: Severe-stage OA involves extensive bone and cartilage damage, affecting mobility and quality of life. If significant damage occurs, surgery might be needed to repair affected joints. Non-surgical treatments (self-care, medicines, and physical therapy) are still crucial in managing pain and swelling and preventing additional joint damage.
Four Stages of Osteoarthritis and How They Are Managed
Osteoarthritis has four stages: early, mild to moderate, advanced, and severe.Treatment for OA can differ based on how advanced your OA is.Early OA: In this early stage, symptoms are mild, and you may experience sporadic aches and pains. Treatment at this stage focuses on prevention strategies, such as lifestyle changes and self-care (exercise, weight loss, etc.).Mild to moderate OA: In the mild to moderate stage, OA starts progressing, and you will begin to have more noticeable and prolonged symptoms, including pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the affected joint or joints. You may experience stiffness and soreness after inactivity (sitting for long periods) or waking in the morning. Treatment in this stage may include self-care activities, OTC oral and topical pain relief medicines, and physical therapy.Advanced OA: With advanced-stage OA, there will be significant cartilage and bone changes, which can lead to more pain and discomfort. Symptoms will become persistent and interfere with your daily activities. There might also be tissue inflammation around the affected joint, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion. Treatment at this stage can include self-care, physical therapy, OTC pain relievers, prescription medicines, and joint infections, includingcorticosteroids.Severe OA: Severe-stage OA involves extensive bone and cartilage damage, affecting mobility and quality of life. If significant damage occurs, surgery might be needed to repair affected joints. Non-surgical treatments (self-care, medicines, and physical therapy) are still crucial in managing pain and swelling and preventing additional joint damage.
Osteoarthritis has four stages: early, mild to moderate, advanced, and severe.Treatment for OA can differ based on how advanced your OA is.
Early OA: In this early stage, symptoms are mild, and you may experience sporadic aches and pains. Treatment at this stage focuses on prevention strategies, such as lifestyle changes and self-care (exercise, weight loss, etc.).
Mild to moderate OA: In the mild to moderate stage, OA starts progressing, and you will begin to have more noticeable and prolonged symptoms, including pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the affected joint or joints. You may experience stiffness and soreness after inactivity (sitting for long periods) or waking in the morning. Treatment in this stage may include self-care activities, OTC oral and topical pain relief medicines, and physical therapy.
Advanced OA: With advanced-stage OA, there will be significant cartilage and bone changes, which can lead to more pain and discomfort. Symptoms will become persistent and interfere with your daily activities. There might also be tissue inflammation around the affected joint, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion. Treatment at this stage can include self-care, physical therapy, OTC pain relievers, prescription medicines, and joint infections, includingcorticosteroids.
Severe OA: Severe-stage OA involves extensive bone and cartilage damage, affecting mobility and quality of life. If significant damage occurs, surgery might be needed to repair affected joints. Non-surgical treatments (self-care, medicines, and physical therapy) are still crucial in managing pain and swelling and preventing additional joint damage.
Summary
Osteoarthritis can be a debilitating condition that causes pain, stiffness, and even limited mobility. While there is no cure for the condition, there is a lot you can do to manage pain, prevent disability, and improve your quality of life.
Regular exercise is essential to keeping joints and muscles flexible and strong. Consider low-impact exercises, such as walking and swimming, to keep you moving and to manage OA symptoms. Weight management is also key.
Use assistive devices, including braces and walkers, to manage symptoms and help prevent joint damage. Managing your mental health and seeking social support is essential to your OA self-care management plan, If you find it challenging to cope with the effects of OA, consider seeking therapy.
You can manage OA symptoms with additional therapies, including acupuncture, topical therapies, joint supplements, and heat and cold. Before trying an alternative therapy for OA, consult a healthcare provider.
25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al.OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019;27(11):1578-1589. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2019.06.011Bellicha A, van Baak MA, Battista F, et al.Effect of exercise training on weight loss, body composition changes, and weight maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: an overview of 12 systematicreviews and 149 studies.Obes Rev. 2021;22 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):e13256. doi:10.1111/obr.13256Thomas MJ, Guillemin F, Neogi T.Osteoarthritis flares.Clin Geriatr Med. 2022;38(2):239-257. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2021.11.001Arthritis Foundation.Benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis.Arthritis Society of Canada.Osteoarthritis self-management.Harvard Health Publishing.Exercise: Rx for overcoming osteoarthritis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Osteoarthritis: role of body weight in osteoarthritis - weight management.Wei G, Lu K, Umar M, et al. Risk of metabolic abnormalities in osteoarthritis: a new perspective to understand its pathological mechanisms.Bone Res. 2023;11(1):63. doi:10.1038/s41413-023-00301-9National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Maintain a healthy weight.Messier SP, Resnik AE, Beavers DP, et al. Intentional weight loss in overweight and obese patients with knee osteoarthritis: is more better?.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018;70(11):1569-1575. doi:10.1002/acr.23608Wang ST, Ni GX.Depression in osteoarthritis: current understanding.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2022;18:375-389. doi:10.2147/NDT.S346183Alberta Health Services.Living your best life with osteoarthritis.Arthritis Foundation.Stress-busting tips for difficult times with arthritis.Arthritis Society of Canada.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and talk therapy for arthritis.Ali SA, Kokorelias KM, MacDermid JC, Kloseck M.Education and social support as key factors in osteoarthritis management programs: a scoping review.Arthritis. 2018;2018:2496190. doi:10.1155/2018/2496190Arthritis Foundation.Self-help arthritis devices.Gregory PJ, Fellner C.Dietary supplements as disease-modifying treatments in osteoarthritis: acritical appraisal.P T. 2014;39(6):436-452.Clarke TC, Nahin RL, Barnes PM, Stussman BJ.Use of complementary health approaches for musculoskeletal pain disorders among adults: United States, 2012.Natl Health Stat Report. 2016;(98):1-12.Manyanga T, Froese M, Zarychanski R, et al.Pain management with acupuncture in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:312. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-312Nahin RL, Boineau R, Khalsa PS, Stussman BJ, Weber WJ.Evidence-based evaluation of complementary health approaches for pain management in the United States.Mayo Clin Proc.2016;91(9):1292-1306. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.06.007Conesa-Buendía FM, Mediero A, Fujikawa R, et al.Beneficial effects of manually assisted chiropractic adjusting instrument in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):13237. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70219-3Rodriguez-Merchan EC.Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis.Postgrad Med. 2018;130(7):607-612.doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1505182Ariana M, Afrasiabifar A, Najafi Doulatabad S, Mosavi A, Behnammoghadam M.The effect of localheat therapy versus cold rub gel on pain and joint functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Clin Nurs Res. 2022;31(6):1014-1022. doi:10.1177/10547738211035502Grässel S, Muschter D.Recent advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-325. doi:10.12688/f1000research.22115.1
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al.OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019;27(11):1578-1589. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2019.06.011Bellicha A, van Baak MA, Battista F, et al.Effect of exercise training on weight loss, body composition changes, and weight maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: an overview of 12 systematicreviews and 149 studies.Obes Rev. 2021;22 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):e13256. doi:10.1111/obr.13256Thomas MJ, Guillemin F, Neogi T.Osteoarthritis flares.Clin Geriatr Med. 2022;38(2):239-257. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2021.11.001Arthritis Foundation.Benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis.Arthritis Society of Canada.Osteoarthritis self-management.Harvard Health Publishing.Exercise: Rx for overcoming osteoarthritis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Osteoarthritis: role of body weight in osteoarthritis - weight management.Wei G, Lu K, Umar M, et al. Risk of metabolic abnormalities in osteoarthritis: a new perspective to understand its pathological mechanisms.Bone Res. 2023;11(1):63. doi:10.1038/s41413-023-00301-9National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Maintain a healthy weight.Messier SP, Resnik AE, Beavers DP, et al. Intentional weight loss in overweight and obese patients with knee osteoarthritis: is more better?.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018;70(11):1569-1575. doi:10.1002/acr.23608Wang ST, Ni GX.Depression in osteoarthritis: current understanding.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2022;18:375-389. doi:10.2147/NDT.S346183Alberta Health Services.Living your best life with osteoarthritis.Arthritis Foundation.Stress-busting tips for difficult times with arthritis.Arthritis Society of Canada.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and talk therapy for arthritis.Ali SA, Kokorelias KM, MacDermid JC, Kloseck M.Education and social support as key factors in osteoarthritis management programs: a scoping review.Arthritis. 2018;2018:2496190. doi:10.1155/2018/2496190Arthritis Foundation.Self-help arthritis devices.Gregory PJ, Fellner C.Dietary supplements as disease-modifying treatments in osteoarthritis: acritical appraisal.P T. 2014;39(6):436-452.Clarke TC, Nahin RL, Barnes PM, Stussman BJ.Use of complementary health approaches for musculoskeletal pain disorders among adults: United States, 2012.Natl Health Stat Report. 2016;(98):1-12.Manyanga T, Froese M, Zarychanski R, et al.Pain management with acupuncture in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:312. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-312Nahin RL, Boineau R, Khalsa PS, Stussman BJ, Weber WJ.Evidence-based evaluation of complementary health approaches for pain management in the United States.Mayo Clin Proc.2016;91(9):1292-1306. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.06.007Conesa-Buendía FM, Mediero A, Fujikawa R, et al.Beneficial effects of manually assisted chiropractic adjusting instrument in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):13237. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70219-3Rodriguez-Merchan EC.Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis.Postgrad Med. 2018;130(7):607-612.doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1505182Ariana M, Afrasiabifar A, Najafi Doulatabad S, Mosavi A, Behnammoghadam M.The effect of localheat therapy versus cold rub gel on pain and joint functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Clin Nurs Res. 2022;31(6):1014-1022. doi:10.1177/10547738211035502Grässel S, Muschter D.Recent advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-325. doi:10.12688/f1000research.22115.1
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al.OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019;27(11):1578-1589. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2019.06.011Bellicha A, van Baak MA, Battista F, et al.Effect of exercise training on weight loss, body composition changes, and weight maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: an overview of 12 systematicreviews and 149 studies.Obes Rev. 2021;22 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):e13256. doi:10.1111/obr.13256Thomas MJ, Guillemin F, Neogi T.Osteoarthritis flares.Clin Geriatr Med. 2022;38(2):239-257. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2021.11.001Arthritis Foundation.Benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis.Arthritis Society of Canada.Osteoarthritis self-management.Harvard Health Publishing.Exercise: Rx for overcoming osteoarthritis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Osteoarthritis: role of body weight in osteoarthritis - weight management.Wei G, Lu K, Umar M, et al. Risk of metabolic abnormalities in osteoarthritis: a new perspective to understand its pathological mechanisms.Bone Res. 2023;11(1):63. doi:10.1038/s41413-023-00301-9National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Maintain a healthy weight.Messier SP, Resnik AE, Beavers DP, et al. Intentional weight loss in overweight and obese patients with knee osteoarthritis: is more better?.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018;70(11):1569-1575. doi:10.1002/acr.23608Wang ST, Ni GX.Depression in osteoarthritis: current understanding.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2022;18:375-389. doi:10.2147/NDT.S346183Alberta Health Services.Living your best life with osteoarthritis.Arthritis Foundation.Stress-busting tips for difficult times with arthritis.Arthritis Society of Canada.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and talk therapy for arthritis.Ali SA, Kokorelias KM, MacDermid JC, Kloseck M.Education and social support as key factors in osteoarthritis management programs: a scoping review.Arthritis. 2018;2018:2496190. doi:10.1155/2018/2496190Arthritis Foundation.Self-help arthritis devices.Gregory PJ, Fellner C.Dietary supplements as disease-modifying treatments in osteoarthritis: acritical appraisal.P T. 2014;39(6):436-452.Clarke TC, Nahin RL, Barnes PM, Stussman BJ.Use of complementary health approaches for musculoskeletal pain disorders among adults: United States, 2012.Natl Health Stat Report. 2016;(98):1-12.Manyanga T, Froese M, Zarychanski R, et al.Pain management with acupuncture in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:312. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-312Nahin RL, Boineau R, Khalsa PS, Stussman BJ, Weber WJ.Evidence-based evaluation of complementary health approaches for pain management in the United States.Mayo Clin Proc.2016;91(9):1292-1306. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.06.007Conesa-Buendía FM, Mediero A, Fujikawa R, et al.Beneficial effects of manually assisted chiropractic adjusting instrument in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):13237. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70219-3Rodriguez-Merchan EC.Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis.Postgrad Med. 2018;130(7):607-612.doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1505182Ariana M, Afrasiabifar A, Najafi Doulatabad S, Mosavi A, Behnammoghadam M.The effect of localheat therapy versus cold rub gel on pain and joint functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Clin Nurs Res. 2022;31(6):1014-1022. doi:10.1177/10547738211035502Grässel S, Muschter D.Recent advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-325. doi:10.12688/f1000research.22115.1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.
Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al.OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019;27(11):1578-1589. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2019.06.011
Bellicha A, van Baak MA, Battista F, et al.Effect of exercise training on weight loss, body composition changes, and weight maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: an overview of 12 systematicreviews and 149 studies.Obes Rev. 2021;22 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):e13256. doi:10.1111/obr.13256
Thomas MJ, Guillemin F, Neogi T.Osteoarthritis flares.Clin Geriatr Med. 2022;38(2):239-257. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2021.11.001
Arthritis Foundation.Benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis.
Arthritis Society of Canada.Osteoarthritis self-management.
Harvard Health Publishing.Exercise: Rx for overcoming osteoarthritis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Osteoarthritis: role of body weight in osteoarthritis - weight management.
Wei G, Lu K, Umar M, et al. Risk of metabolic abnormalities in osteoarthritis: a new perspective to understand its pathological mechanisms.Bone Res. 2023;11(1):63. doi:10.1038/s41413-023-00301-9
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Maintain a healthy weight.
Messier SP, Resnik AE, Beavers DP, et al. Intentional weight loss in overweight and obese patients with knee osteoarthritis: is more better?.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018;70(11):1569-1575. doi:10.1002/acr.23608
Wang ST, Ni GX.Depression in osteoarthritis: current understanding.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2022;18:375-389. doi:10.2147/NDT.S346183
Alberta Health Services.Living your best life with osteoarthritis.
Arthritis Foundation.Stress-busting tips for difficult times with arthritis.
Arthritis Society of Canada.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and talk therapy for arthritis.
Ali SA, Kokorelias KM, MacDermid JC, Kloseck M.Education and social support as key factors in osteoarthritis management programs: a scoping review.Arthritis. 2018;2018:2496190. doi:10.1155/2018/2496190
Arthritis Foundation.Self-help arthritis devices.
Gregory PJ, Fellner C.Dietary supplements as disease-modifying treatments in osteoarthritis: acritical appraisal.P T. 2014;39(6):436-452.
Clarke TC, Nahin RL, Barnes PM, Stussman BJ.Use of complementary health approaches for musculoskeletal pain disorders among adults: United States, 2012.Natl Health Stat Report. 2016;(98):1-12.
Manyanga T, Froese M, Zarychanski R, et al.Pain management with acupuncture in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:312. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-312
Nahin RL, Boineau R, Khalsa PS, Stussman BJ, Weber WJ.Evidence-based evaluation of complementary health approaches for pain management in the United States.Mayo Clin Proc.2016;91(9):1292-1306. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.06.007
Conesa-Buendía FM, Mediero A, Fujikawa R, et al.Beneficial effects of manually assisted chiropractic adjusting instrument in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):13237. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70219-3
Rodriguez-Merchan EC.Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis.Postgrad Med. 2018;130(7):607-612.doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1505182
Ariana M, Afrasiabifar A, Najafi Doulatabad S, Mosavi A, Behnammoghadam M.The effect of localheat therapy versus cold rub gel on pain and joint functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Clin Nurs Res. 2022;31(6):1014-1022. doi:10.1177/10547738211035502
Grässel S, Muschter D.Recent advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-325. doi:10.12688/f1000research.22115.1
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
