Arthritis Care & Research studies show that people with hip and knee OA are using oral pain relievers more than non-drug alternatives. 70 to 82% of almost 1,200 patients in a study took pain relievers; less than half tried physical therapy or other options for nondrug therapy. Most have been overweight, and no one has a physical activity minimum of 150 minutes a week recommended for good health by the Centers for Disease Control. Making walking a part of osteoarthritis treatment is indeed necessary.
Doctors recommend that people with arthritis receive 150 minutes a week of brisk walking, cycling, and weight training. According to a study in 2017, even 45 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity could improve function. Recommendations for the management of hip and knee OA symptoms by the American College of Rheumatology:
Therapies for Nondrug
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Strong recommendations: exercises on land or water
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The loss of weight, if necessary
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Secondary recommendations: The autonomy programs
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Manual therapy with supervised exercise (physical therapy) as Towards psychosocial therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) at Toward hot and cold packaging
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Tai chi at Acupuncture or knee-stimulation by transcutaneous electron nerve (TENS) (not hip) OA patients who are not joint substitutes candidates for severe pain.
Recommendations: | Non-Drug Therapy
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Acetaminophen at Oral or topical NSAID at Joint injections of corticosteroids
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Learn new abilities in self-management.
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Join a self-management training workshop to learn the abilities to manage your arthritis and to make good health decisions.
Learning strategies for better arthritis management can help you
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Feel healthier
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Pain and other symptoms are managed
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Carry out daily activities, such as work and time with loved ones
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Lower stress
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Enhance your fitness
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Better communication about your care with your health care provider(s)
Learn more about self-management programs for the self-management of people with arthritis recommended by the CDC.
Staying Active
Physical activity is a simple, efficient, non-drug approach to pain relief. Being physically active in adults with arthritis can reduce pain and enhance recovery, mood, and quality of life. Ordinary physical activity can also minimize your chances of other chronic diseases like heart and diabetes. If you already have it, it can help you manage those conditions as the best osteoarthritis treatment.
Stay active as possible and change your level of activity depending on your symptoms of arthritis. There is better than no physical activity.
