Good posture can help ease and prevent osteoarthritis pain in your back, hips, and knees. Adapt your environment to your condition. If you have arthritis in your fingers, for instance, you may need shoes that fasten with Velcro instead of laces. Find a support group. Sharing your experiences with others can be deeply rewarding.
Support groups are also an excellent place to learn practical tips for coping with arthritis.
Woolston is a contributing editor at Consumer Health Interactive. The Arthritis Foundation provides information on many forms of arthritis and can help you find a support group. The Arthritis Helpbook, by Kate Lorig, RN, PhD, and James Fries, MD, is full of tips for managing arthritis and fibromyalgia. Zhang Y. An update on the epidemiology of knee and hip osteoarthritis with a view to prevention. Arthritis and Rheumatism.