Living With Osteoarthritis

Although living with osteoarthritis may be a challenge at times, people who have the disease can still live rewarding, fulfilling lives. People who are the most successful at living with osteoarthritis find that taking an active role in their healthcare and developing a "good-health attitude" go a long way toward helping them better manage the disease.

 

Living With Osteoarthritis: An Overview

Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among adults. More than 20 million people in the United States have the disease. But the good news it that just because you have osteoarthritis does not mean that your life as you know it, with regard to physical activity, is over.
 
It is possible to have osteoarthritis and still enjoy good health. How? First, by following the osteoarthritis treatment your healthcare provider has recommended. Second, by:
 
  • Becoming educated about your condition
  • Learning self-care skills
  • Exercising
  • Caring for the mind, body, and spirit
  • Developing a "good-health attitude."
     

Education Programs for People Living With Osteoarthritis

By reading this article, you are taking the first step towards successfully dealing with osteoarthritis -- becoming educated about your disease.
 There are three kinds of programs that can help people learn about osteoarthritis, learn self-care, and improve their good-health attitude. These programs are as follows:
 
  • Patient education programs
  • Arthritis self-management programs
  • Arthritis support groups.
     
These programs teach people about osteoarthritis, its treatments, exercise and relaxation techniques, patient and healthcare provider communication, and problem solving. Arthritis research has shown that these programs have clear and long-lasting benefits.
 
(Living With Osteoarthritis Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD