Q. What is self-management and how can it help me?
Self-managing your osteoarthritis means taking care of your overall health and wellness, not just your joint pain. It means eating well, exercising, and learning simple ways to protect your joints. Self-managing your osteoarthritis can keep your symptoms under control and slow the development of complications. Simply, it can help you live well at every stage of the disease.
Q. My osteoarthritis is minor, why should I self-manage?
The earlier you take steps to manage your disease, the better. Learning to self-manage your osteoarthritis in the early stages can help you take control of your pain and reduce joint damage. Also, most therapies work best when started early.
Q. Can exercise make my osteoarthritis worse?
Safe, low-impact exercise can keep your muscles strong and your joints flexible. Exercise has been shown to be an important step in managing your osteoarthritis. Moving your joint regularly can help maintain the overall health of the cartilage in your joint and help you enjoy greater flexibility in your joint.
Avoid high-impact exercises, like running or skiing, that can put a lot of stress on your joints. Choose activities that will strengthen your muscles and ligaments, stretch your sore joints, and increase your endurance. Try water aerobics or the stationary bike. Walking is another good exercise. Remember to wear shoes that support your feet and to walk on a smooth surface. Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new exercise program.
Q. What is the difference between Jointworks and Waterworks?
These exercise programs are specially designed for people with arthritis and have been developed by The Arthritis Society. Jointworks is low impact land exercises and Waterworks is low impact water aerobics.
Q. My joints hurt after exercising. Have I exercised too much?
When you have osteoarthritis is it important to keep active. It’s also important to know when to stop. Slight muscle soreness or stiffness one or two days after exercising is common and shows that you have worked your muscles. If your joint is sore for more than 2 hours after exercising you may have pushed yourself too hard. Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist if you have any concerns about exercising.
Q. What changes can I make at home or work to protect my joints?
These are many simple changes you can make to protect your joints. Avoid repetitive tasks and working in the same position for a long period of time. For example, when you’re working on the computer, take lots of breaks and alternate activities. Use energy conservation strategies to reduce the amount of energy you use to perform an activity. For example, instead of starting each new meal from scratch, cook one large meal and freeze some for another day. You can also use helping aids like a cane, grocery cart, or reaching aid to take some of the stress off your joints. Check to see if you employer has services available to help you adapt your work environment.