Osteoarthritis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Applying heat to the affected area may ease the pain. Put a warm heating pad or warm, moist towels on the painful joint, or soak it in a whirlpool bath for 10 to 20 minutes every hour for 48 hours.
• Massaging the muscles around the joint also may relieve pain and stiffness, although massaging the joint itself is not helpful.
• If your back is affected:
  • You may be more comfortable at night if you sleep on a firm mattress or place a piece of 3/4-inch plywood between your mattress and the box springs.
  • Sleeping on a waterbed is helpful for some people.
• If your neck is affected and you have pain in your arms:
  • Wearing a soft neck collar may help relieve the pain.
  • If this is not helpful, ask your doctor if you can buy or rent a neck traction device to use at home.
• Activity:
  • Rest is important when the joint becomes very painful.
  • Resume normal activity when you feel better.
  • Regular exercise will strengthen your muscles and reduce your symptoms.
  • Cold may increase the pain in the affected joint. You may want to wear thermal underwear or avoid outdoor activity during cold weather.
• If you are overweight, it is important to lose weight.
• You may use over-the-counter medicines such as deep-heating ointments or lotions to relieve pain.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have any problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You develop chills, fever, or redness and tenderness of the affected joint.