Managing your osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, often referred to as “arthritis,” is a painful disease that affects your joints. Most common in older people, arthritis can make walking up and down the stairs, opening doors, and other everyday activities difficult. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage of your joints breaks down, allowing your bones to rub together and cause both damage and pain.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to manage your symptoms and make it easier to go about your normal activities. Treatment options may include medicine, heat and cold therapy, exercise, or surgery. Here’s a guide to help you decide how to best manage your osteoarthritis.