| You can take the initiative in battling that | | | | on sensitive joints. Walkers and properly fitted |
| relentless enemy, osteoarthritis. | | | | canes can help improve balance, relieve over-tired |
| Rest - The first and best weapon against arthritis | | | | muscles and provide stability. But the cane or |
| is a good balance between rest and exercise. | | | | walker must "fit" the patient. Many patients use |
| Getting a good night's sleep, plus morning and | | | | canes that are too long. Or they may have the |
| afternoon rest periods, helps take pressure off | | | | correct size cane, but don't know how to use it |
| weight-bearing joints and rests tired muscles. | | | | properly. It's very easy to determine if a cane is |
| Gentle Exercise - But balance your rest with | | | | the right length. Wear shoes and stand up |
| gentle exercise. One of the best forms of | | | | straight, with your arms hanging loosely at your |
| exercise for arthritis patients is swimming in a | | | | side. Have someone measure the distance from |
| mildly heated pool. Even if you can't swim, you | | | | the crease in your wrist to the ground. This |
| can still enjoy gentle exercise in a shallow part of | | | | measurement is best height for the crane. |
| a pool. | | | | Flat, contoured handles at right angles to the cane |
| Heat - Use heat to relieve the pain that comes | | | | are better than curved handles; the ones shaped |
| with osteoarthritis. Try soaking in a warm tub or | | | | like a shepherd's staff. Flat handles are more |
| using a heating pad or hot pack to help ease pain | | | | comfortable for longer periods of time. Use |
| in sensitive joints. Elderly patients should avoid hot | | | | flat-bottomed rubber tips for the end of the cane. |
| tubs and whirlpools, however, because the water | | | | Rounded rubber tips don't grip the ground as well |
| is often too hot. | | | | as tips with flat bottoms. Remember that rubber |
| Massage - Gentle massages can also help relieve | | | | tips wear out with regular use just like tires and |
| those stiff, aching muscles. Using heat and | | | | shoes. They should be replaced occasionally. You |
| massage regularly provides great relief from | | | | can find replacement rubber tips at most |
| arthritis pain without the extra cost of | | | | drugstores. And, make sure you hold the cane |
| professional therapy. | | | | the correct way - on the side away from the |
| Walkers and Canes - One of the best methods of | | | | painful body part. For example, if your left knee |
| relieving arthritis pain is simply reducing the stress | | | | pains you, hold your cane in your right hand. |