Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Welcome to our blog
06. March 2022
Living with osteoarthritis - mastering everyday challenges
Osteoarthritis affects many people, especially those of advanced age. Around 25% of people over the age of 65 suffer from symptoms caused by joint wear and tear. But what does this mean for the everyday lives of those affected? How can you lead an active and fulfilling life despite osteoarthritis? In this article, we would like to give you practical tips and show you how you can successfully overcome everyday challenges.
1. Adapt your morning routine
The morning can be particularly challenging for osteoarthritis patients. The typical "start-up pain" makes itself felt. Here are a few tips:
- Take more time to get up
- Start the day with gentle stretching exercises in bed
- A warm shower can loosen the joints
- Wear comfortable, non-slip slippers
2. Facilitate household
Household tasks can become a challenge with osteoarthritis. The right aids can make many things easier:
- Use gripping tongs for objects on the floor
- Use lightweight hoovers or vacuum robots
- Install grab rails in the bathroom and toilet
- Use electric can openers and other ergonomic kitchen aids
3. Maintain mobility
Exercise is important for osteoarthritis, but it can also be painful. Here are some recommendations:
- Use walking aids such as walking sticks or rollators
- Wear comfortable, shock-absorbing shoes
- Plan regular breaks for longer journeys
- Consider using a stairlift if you have several floors
4. Customise workplace
You can also design your workplace to be osteoarthritis-friendly at work:
- Use ergonomic office chairs and keyboards
- Adjust your screen to eye level
- Take regular stretching breaks
- Talk to your employer about possible adjustments
5. Organise your leisure time
Osteoarthritis does not have to be an obstacle to fulfilling leisure activities:
- Choose sports that are easy on the joints, such as swimming or cycling
- Take advantage of special osteoarthritis sports groups
- Adapt hobbies, e.g. with raised garden beds or adapted painting utensils
- Maintain social contacts to stay mentally healthy
Use professional support
Sometimes self-help measures are not enough. Do not hesitate to seek professional help. At Bethesda Hospital we offer you comprehensive support:
- Our physiotherapists develop individual exercise programmes
- helps you to adapt your everyday life
- Our pain specialists support you in coping with pain
- You will receive holistic treatment in our rheumatology department
Make an appointment and let our experts advise you. Together we will find ways in which you can organise your everyday life actively and independently despite osteoarthritis.