Are you suffering from osteoarthritis or arthritis and looking for a solution to alleviate your pain? 

Well not to worry, because there are ways for you to handle your chronic condition and get back to living with reduced pain.

That being said, what are these ways? In this blog, we will walk you through the tips you can use in order to cope with osteoarthritis, so sit back, get comfortable, and keep reading below.

What’s the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis? 

Both arthritis and osteoarthritis are commonly confused – probably because they both have the word “arthritis” in the name. But did you know that they are actually quite different? 

Osteoarthritis is a mechanical condition that is developed by years of wear and tear on your joints, which deteriorates cartilage. Usually this is something unavoidable by ageing. 

On the other hand, arthritis is a condition that is not caused by wear and tear, and instead is an inflammation that secretes substances into your joints, gradually destroying the structure. It can be of infectious, genetic, or metabolic origin. 

8 Tips on how to cope with your osteoarthritis and arthritis

1. Staying active

We understand staying active can be challenging when you have joint pain, however research shows that keeping active can help reduce pain experienced. Exercising can also help boost your energy and improve overall health, strengthening muscles and bones through resistance training, and reducing pressure on your joints. We always recommend speaking with your health professional to find what’s right for you. 

2. Eat a balanced diet 

This might seem like a no-brainer, but eating the right foods and nutrients can assist with reducing joint pain and aches. This doesn’t mean you need to go on some miraculous wonder diet, rather being more health conscious and having a balanced diet will do wonders. Make sure you’re getting plenty of vitamin C, omega-3 and fatty acids. It’s always a good idea to speak to your GP or health professional about how you can improve your nutrition. 

3. Get plenty of sleep 

Sleeping well can be the fix to a whole myriad of health problems. If you have sore joints, having a long and deep sleep will give them the best opportunity to repair and reduce inflammation. If you have a hard time sleeping, try going to bed at the exact same time every night and take all of the distractions out of your bedroom. 

4. Use hot and cold packs

Hot and cold pack treatment can be used to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain and stiffness that is commonly experienced with arthritis. Your doctor may recommend heat and cold therapy to help stimulate blood circulation and reduce muscle spasms. It can take a little bit of trial and error to understand which type of therapy will assist with arthritis, so it’s always best to consult with your health professional to find the right combination that works for you. 

5. OTC pain medication 

Although not the most natural of remedies, over the counter pain medication can be effective for reducing pain and inflammation. As usual, always speak to your local pharmacist or GP for the best treatment of osteoarthritis before taking any sort of medication. 

6. Stay positive 

It may seem difficult at times, but keeping a positive mindset when dealing with a condition can help improve your quality of life when living with osteoarthritis or arthritis. Always reach out, speak to family and friends if you’re having a hard time. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends if you’re having a hard time, or your local GP and health professional for advice on how to cope with osteoarthritis. 

7. Don’t overexert yourself 

Even though you should maintain some exercise regimen, you shouldn’t overdo it and you should know your capabilities. There’s a difference between doing some light exercise and climbing a mountain on a hike because you have some friends doing it. Over exerting yourself may have serious consequences the day after, or worse, you might sustain an injury. Always know and stick to your limits, your body will thank you for it. 

8. Use arthritis and osteoarthritis aids 

Walking aids for osteoarthritis and arthritis can significantly improve your independence and reduce your pain and fear of falling. However, walking aids aren’t the only tools available to help you in your day to life, there are mobility aids to help you sit comfortably and get in and out of your chair, aids to help you grip, as well as compression aids to help with swelling. 

Get in touch with a member of our friendly mobility team to discuss what solution we have that will best suit your needs. 

Where to buy mobility aids to help with osteoarthritis & arthritis in Australia

A dedicated mobility store will have the widest and most helpful assistive technology, so if you’re searching for osteoarthritis aids near me, or any mobility that matter, pop into The Mobility Store.

By visiting The Mobility Store today, you can get access to one of the most comprehensive ranges of mobility aids in Melbourne, Perth, and across all of Australia.  

While here, you will be able to speak to one of our friendly team members who will closely discuss your needs and match you with the best product. 

If you can’t make it into our store, you can give us a call and we can help you navigate our online shop, so that you can get your mobility aid sent to you from the comfort of your own home. 

Get in touch with us so that you can improve your mobility today. 

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