Lifestyle adjustment

• Achieving the ideal body weight
• Non-impact exercises
• Avoiding excessive impact activities

Since excessive loading of the affected joint typically increases the symptom of pain of osteoarthritis, the initial treatment strategy involves “unloading it”. Achieving the ideal body weight by loosing the extra pounds of fat will certainly put less pressure on the joint and cause less pain. You can try an “unloading brace” and well-cushioned shoes.

Engaging in a good, regular exercise programme can also help ease the pain of osteoarthritis. The exact mechanism is not known but there is some evidence that exercising regularly can cause the body to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals and anti-inflammatory substances.

Avoiding impact-type activities that increase the pain is also important. That may necessitate switching from long walks or hikes to biking or swimming as a form of regular exercise.