exercise is the most effective nondrug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement. moderate physical activity on a regular basis reduces fatigue strengthens muscles and bones increases flexibility and stamina and improves your general sense of well-being. maintaining a healthy weight -- or losing weight if you are overweight -- can lessen your pain by reducing stress on joints. mild depression can often be eased through social interaction journaling exercise or doing something you find fun such as shopping or seeing a funny movie. learning to relax is an important part of dealing with the stress of a chronic medical condition such as osteoarthritis. deep breathing progressive relaxation and creative or guided imagery are techniques that can help. other methods of relaxation such as biofeedback or self-hypnosis are also available but may require instruction from a doctor or other health care professional.
what can i do to help myself deal with osteoarthritis?