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Lifestyle Changes to Manage Osteoarthritis

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Lifestyle changes may help slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Changes can also help you maintain your normal level of functioning.

Managing Osteoarthritis

Diet

Maintaining an appropriate weight can help:

  • Improve your symptoms that result from osteoarthritis
  • Slow the progression of osteoarthritis
  • Reduce osteoarthritic injury to other joints

The heavier you are, the more stress you put on your joints. Consult your doctor before radically changing your diet, however. You may benefit from talking with a registered dietitian. A dietitian will help you achieve an optimal weight while maintaining a healthful, nutritious, varied diet.

Exercise

Exercise can strengthen your muscles, which can help keep your joints more stable, and the stronger muscles help to absorb energy and protect the joint surface. For example, if you have arthritis in your knee, exercise, including strength training , can help improve knee function. Participating in a water exercise program is also a good option.

Talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise program. You will need to customize your exercise program to protect the joints that are affected by osteoarthritis. You may be advised to consult an exercise physiologist or physical therapist to help you design a safe exercise plan.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Always contact your doctor if:

  • Your symptoms do not improve with the recommended changes
  • Your symptoms worsen
  • You develop any new symptoms

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.

References

  • Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/ .

  • Conn HF, Rakel R. Conn’s Current Therapy. 54th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002.

  • Fransen M, McConnell S. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;CD004376.

  • Manek NJ, Lane NE. Osteoarthritis: current concepts in diagnosis and management. American Family Physician . 2000;61(6).

  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

  • 2/26/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Cadmus L, Patrick MB, Maciejewski ML, Topolski T, Belza B, Patrick DL. Community-based aquatic exercise and quality of life in persons with osteoarthritis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010;42(1):8-15.

  • 2/15/2013 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : McAlindon T, LaValley M, Schneider E, et al. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on progression of knee pain and cartilage volume loss in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2013;309(2):155-62.