This link will take you to a Website to which this Website's Privacy Policy does not apply.
We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy of every Website you visit.

Symptoms & Conditions > Adults' > Arthritis >
Managing Osteoarthritis Pain

Exercise
Arthritis experts emphasize that a well-designed exercise program can decrease the pain and stiffness you feel - while increasing your range of motion. Talk to your doctor about the best kinds of exercise for your particular needs. Learn more about Exercise & Osteoarthritis.

Joint Protection
Listen to your body and stop any activity that causes ongoing pain.
  • Alternate heavy or repeated tasks with easy tasks or breaks in your daily schedule. Change tasks often.
  • Pay attention to joint positioning.
  • Use larger, stronger joints to carry loads. For example, carry a purse on your shoulder instead of with your fingers.
  • Don't remain in the same position for a long time; get up and walk around periodically.


Click to open a Printer Friendly version of this page.
Click here to send this page to a friend

Take advantage of the many items that can help you cope with the tasks of daily living, such as items with longer or thicker handles.
  • Use a chair with a straight back, high seat and arms, so you can push on the arms when getting up.
  • Use a cane, crutches or a walker, if your doctor recommends them, to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
  • Use carts, such as luggage carts, so you can push or pull instead of carrying heavy items.

Weight Control
By reducing stress on your joints, controlling your weight helps prevent osteoarthritis of the knees and other weight-bearing joints. And it lessens pain in those who have it.

The best way to maintain a healthy weight is to exercise and eat a well-balanced diet. In addition to eating better and exercising more, there are a number of simple steps you can take to keep your weight under control:
  • Avoid foods containing a lot of sugar, fat, and cholesterol.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Drink eight glasses of water every day.
  • Cut down on alcoholic beverages.

If you want to lose weight, and keep it off, experts advise that you shed pounds slowly -- no more than two to five pounds per month. Your doctor can recommend a diet that's right for you.

Heat and Cold
Applying heat or cold to sore joints can temporarily relieve the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Heat helps to relax aching muscles. Cold can numb the area to reduce pain. Ask your doctor or therapist which method is best for you. And follow these tips: Ask your doctor or therapist which method is best for you. And follow these tips:
  • Time your use of heat or cold to give the best relief from pain or stiffness - for example, after you get out of bed in the morning or before exercise.
  • Don't use heat or cold for longer than 15 to 20 minutes each time. Let your skin return to normal temperature before using it again.
  • Don't use heat combined with rubs or creams.
  • Always put a towel or cloth between your skin and heat or cold packs.

Heat methods include: electronic blankets and mitts, heating pads, hot baths or showers, hot packs, hot towels, hot tubs, heated pools and paraffin wax.

Cold methods include: bags of frozen vegetables, cold compresses, an ice cube or cubes wrapped in towel, ice bags and cold packs.


Related Products
Tylenol Arthritis Pain
Tylenol Arthritis Pain 		Tylenol PM
Tylenol PM


Health Articles Home
Symptoms and Conditions
Adults':
ADHD
Allergies
Arthritis
Back Pain
Colds
Dandruff
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Flu
Gas
Headaches
Heartburn
High Cholesterol
Lactose Intolerance
Menstrual Pain
Migraines
Osteoporosis
Sleeplessness

Strains & Sprains
Children's:
ADHD
Allergies
Colds
Ear Infections
Flu
Fever
Gas
About Us
Health and Lifestyles
About Us
About TYLENOL® / McNeil | Get Email Updates | Site Map | For Healthcare Professionals

© McNEIL-PPC, Inc. 1998 - . All rights reserved.

Some links on this page will take you to a Web site to which this Web site's Privacy Policy does not apply.
We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy of every Web site you visit.

This site is published by McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents.
This website is intended for visitors from the United States. Questions or comments?
Call 1-877-TYLENOL (English) or 1-888-466-8746 (Spanish) or click here for Customer Service