General measures to help treat osteoarthritis
Exercise
If possible, exercise regularly. This helps to strengthen the muscles around affected joints, to keep you fit, and to maintain a good range joint movement. Swimming is ideal for most joints, but any exercise is better than none. Many people can manage a regular walk.
Weight control
If you are overweight, try to lose some weight as the extra burden placed on back, hips, and knees can make symptoms worse. Even a modest amount of weight loss can make quite a difference.
Shoe insoles and other devices
Some research trials have shown that the following may help to ease symptoms from OA of the knee in some cases.
- Wearing a knee brace.
- Using shoe insoles.
- The use of a special sticky tape which 'pulls' the kneecap inwards.
These measures slightly alter the distribution of weight and pressure on the knee joint, which is why they are thought to ease symptoms in some cases. A podiatrist or physiotherapist can advise exactly how to use them.
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monique, over 2 years
Enjoying the site - thanks for the info.
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