Modifying activities for osteoarthritis
If you have osteoarthritis and your joints hurt when you do an activity, try other ways of doing it that do not cause pain.
- If you get tired when you do a task for long periods of time, break the task down into several smaller tasks, and rest between them.
- Avoid extended periods of standing, and try not to kneel or squat. Sit or take regular breaks when doing tasks that take a long time.
- Use higher chairs or seat cushions, and avoid sitting in chairs that are very low.
- Use the largest joint or part of your body to do things. For example, push doors open with your hip or shoulder instead of your hand or arm.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: April 20, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology | |
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