HOW TO BEAT OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis and is characterized by the wearing away of cartilage.  It is the most common form of arthritis and weight bearing joints (knees, hips and spine) are the most susceptible. Just because you have OA  doesn’t  mean you are ready for surgery. There are a variety of things you can do to prevent or slow the process, so don’t just sit there, BEAT IT!

Be proactive:  take advantage of all the information available so you can fully understand OA and begin to make a plan.  This can include info on medication, nutrition, physical therapy, medical procedures, etc

Exercise regularly:  strong muscles support joints and can relieve some of the pain by decreasing stress on  your joints

Attention to posture and proper body  mechanics:  Good posture means good alignment which will decrease stress on joints and strain on surrounding muscles

Try to vary your activity: change your exercise routine to avoid overuse of particular muscles and joints and take frequent breaks when performing repetitive tasks.

Ideal weight: maintaining a healthy weight decreases stress on joints and in general, promotes well being.

Talk to your doctor: seeing an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean you have to have a joint replacement but you can get valuable information about all of your options, both surgical and non-surgical, including medication, injections and arthroscopic surgery.