The musculoskeletal elements that face the heat of aging the most are the joints. As a result of years of overuse, the joints of the knees, hips, and hands begin to show signs of inflammation that often indicate the onset of osteoarthritis. Although there is no cure, osteoarthritis can be better managed by following a set of do's and don'ts listed in the following article. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Living with osteoarthritis without mastering the art of managing symptoms to avoid an ocean of pain day after day can be a threatening prospect. A disease so common in the United States that at least one in four adults suffer from it, osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability among older adults. It starts with the breakdown of the cartilage that surrounds the bones and serves as natural cushioning. This deterioration ultimately leads to a situation in which the bones forming the joints begin to rub against each other, causing inflammation. Patients can reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups by practicing the following do's and don'ts: Oil those joints by keeping SMART exercise tips handy. While exercise can help relieve arthritis pain, knowing how to go about it in an arthritis-friendly way is essential to avoid making your condition worse. The CDC-recommended SMART solution for this involves: Start slow and low-intensity Change your fitness routine regularly to avoid overworking a specific joint. Activities that are gentle on the joints such as yoga and Tai Chi are recommended. Recognize places where you can exercise safely without fear. fall and injure yourself. Talk to your doctor and a physical therapist for advice. Don't force yourself to exercise if you have a flare-up. When your arthritic joints feel stiff and painful, rest and let them bounce back before returning to your exercise routine. Consider acetaminophen to combat pain. Acetaminophen is a relatively safer choice when it comes to painkillers because it has fewer side effects. However, before you start taking acetaminophen regularly, get a green signal from your doctor first. Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver or kidney impairment. Acetaminophen, if consumed regularly and in large quantities, can have a detrimental effect on the liver and kidneys, especially if these organs are already weak due to pre-existing conditions. Wear protective gear like a knee pad. Knee pads can help support your knee joint and reduce the level of joint depreciation by providing adequate external padding. In addition to a knee brace, you may want to consider using support devices like a walker or cane to make getting around easier. The life of an arthritis patient doesn't have to be bleak, riddled with pain, or confined. It can be full of positivity and joy as long as you pay attention to the tips given above. For more news like this, subscribe to our updates here. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get Custom Essay Social Media Copies: Do's and Don'ts for Living a Comfortable Life Despite Osteoarthritis What to Do and Don't If You Have Osteoarthritis