Q. I think I have osteoarthritis, what can I do?
If you think you have osteoarthritis it is important that you see your family doctor. With an early – and correct – diagnosis you can take steps to self-manage your disease. Simple, positive lifestyle changes can slow the progress of the disease, delay complications, and help you live well with osteoarthritis.
Q. I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, what can I do?
The first thing to do is learn about the disease. This website is a great place to start. You’ll find information about osteoarthritis, self-management, and the OASIS program. If you haven’t been referred to OASIS, ask your doctor for a referral.
Q. What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a disease that is the result of the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. Over time, the cartilage begins to fray and may even wear away entirely, causing your bones to rub directly against each other. This can make it painful to move your joint. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many things you can do to manage the disease and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
Q. What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis. Your immune system attacks your joints leading to redness, pain, swelling, and heat. Many doctors refer to it as “rheumatoid disease” to emphasize the fact that this joint disease has full-body symptoms. People with rheumatoid arthritis will often say they feel like they’ve got a virus or the flu.
Osteoarthritis also affects your joints but there is rarely swelling or inflammation. It is a degenerative arthritis. The cartilage in your joint wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility.