Living with Osteoarthritis

Recently Answered

• QWhat's the first step to helping someone with osteoarthritis?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Helping someone with osteoarthritis (OA) is easy, just be there for him or her. Often the person with OA can tell you specifically what help he or she needs. For example, he or she may need help with grocery shopping. Sometimes people with OA need emotional support as they struggle to adapt to the pain and limitations OA can cause. A sympathetic ear may be the best way to help.

  People with OA may be reluctant to ask for help and support. If you know someone with OA is struggling but hasn't asked for assistance, don't hesitate to offer your help. Often that's all it takes to make a difference. 

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• QDo running shoes help osteoarthritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Running shoes do not appear to help ease the pain or reduce the risk of osteoarthritis (OA). One study found that there was less pressure on knees and hips when running barefoot compared to running wearing running shoes. Although it’s not a good idea to run while wearing flip-flops, walking in them is almost as good as going barefoot. Flip-flops that are lightweight with flat, flexible soles put less stress on the knees than shoes with rigid soles.

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• QWhat are the benefits of exercise for knee osteoarthritis?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  When you exercise, you make your RealAge substantially younger and decrease disability from arthritis, including knee osteoarthritis. In fact, you make knee arthritis worse when you don't exercise the muscles around your knee and use your knee joint. Research shows that walking, using the elliptical machine or riding a stationary bike for 60 minutes every day can help prevent worsening of arthritis. A study in the June 2014 issue of Arthritis Care and Research found that for every 1000 steps taken a day, there was a 16 to 18 percent decrease in functional limitation -- and taking 6,000 steps a day substantially reduced the risk of arthritis-related disability. 

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• QCan an older person with osteoarthritic knee pain exercise?

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  A Dr. Pao-Feng Tsai , Geriatrics Nursing, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  The elder should start with only about 20-30 minutes of low intensity exercise per day, 2-3 days a week. The elder may experience more knee pain, swelling, fatigue and weakness after exercise initially, due to the stress of exercise. However, exercise should provide better quality of life in the long run, including relief of mental stress, pain and disability. Taking analgesics before exercise may help reduce pain caused by exercise. Taking time to rest during exercise may be necessary. An average of 2-3 months may be needed for sedentary elders to adapt to the stress of exercise.

  
  

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• QWill wearing flip-flops help my osteoarthritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Flip-flops and sneakers with flexible soles may help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). A study found that wearing flip-flops that are flat, flexible and lightweight appeared to put the least amount of pressure on the knees when compared to clogs or walking shoes. Walking in flip flops appeared to be similar to walking with bare feet.
  
  The finding is important because pressure or loading on the knee joint is a key factor in the development of osteoarthritis. But walking in flip flops may not be ideal for the elderly who may be more likely to fall wearing flip flops because of their loose-fitting design. People over the age of 65 should consult a doctor to determine the type of shoe that best suits their needs.

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• QCan osteoarthritis be a limitation at work?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Osteoarthritis (OA) and the pain and stiffness it causes in the joints can be a limitation at work, especially if your job requires you to stand or walk a lot. Certain jobs require repeating the same motions such as kneeling, lifting, bending or typing over and over. Repetitive motion can cause repetitive stress injuries to the joints of the hands, spine, hips and knees by wearing away cartilage that supports and cushions them, causing bones to rub against each other. This rubbing motion may cause osteoarthritis.
  
  Physical therapy, splints, braces and pain relievers can make it easier and more comfortable for you to get around on the job. If all else fails, surgery may be necessary.
• QHow can stress affect my osteoarthritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Osteoarthritis causes debilitating pain, stiffness and reduced mobility that can interfere with a person's ability to work and perform activities of daily living. People who have osteoarthritis sometimes feel helpless because of their limitations, which can lead to stress and depression -- both of which can be disabling.
  
  Exercise is not only a good stress reliever, but it can relieve osteoarthritis symptoms, and improve flexibility and mobility. Other good stress-busters are listening to music, watching a funny movie or taking a long soak in the tub.

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• QWhy does good posture at work help osteoarthritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Good posture -- and not just at work -- is vital when you have osteoarthritis. Sitting and standing up straight will protect the joints in your knees, hips, back and neck.
  
  To practice good posture, pretend there’s a string coming out of the top of your head that someone is pulling on to lengthen your spine and keep your shoulders back instead of slumped. A physical therapist can work with you on improving your posture to lessen the pain of osteoarthritis.

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• QIs it safe to exercise during an inflammatory arthritis flare?

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  A Dr. Geraldine M. Navarro, MD , Rheumatology, answered on behalf of UCLA Health

  During an inflammatory arthritis flare, it can be safe to exercise. People should:
   

  • decrease the length and intensity of exercise
  • do daily range-of-motion activities
  • do daily hand and wrist exercises
  • stretch before getting out of bed
  • stretch before exercising
  • avoid extreme neck movements or pressure on the neck
  • avoid over-stretching, especially the hands and wrists
  • avoid high-impact exercise
  • if they are taking steroids, alert their doctor if there is new hip or groin pain
• QIs it normal to feel pain during exercise if I have osteoarthritis?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Consistent exercise is good for joints, even though it may cause some occasional muscle or joint pain. If you have pain that lasts more than a couple hours, reduce the intensity of your workout or take a day off. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which activities are best for you.

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