Modifying Activities for Osteoarthritis

If you have osteoarthritis and your joints hurt when you do an activity, try other ways of doing it that do not cause pain.

• If you get tired when you do a task for long periods of time, break the task down into several smaller tasks, and rest between them.
• Avoid extended periods of standing, and try not to kneel or squat. Sit or take regular breaks when doing tasks that take a long time.
• Use higher chairs or seat cushions, and avoid sitting in chairs that are very low.
• Use the largest joint or part of your body to do things. For example, push doors open with your hip or shoulder instead of your hand or arm.