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.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy
Last Revised	April 8, 2011