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Coping With Osteoarthritis

Table of Contents


Overview

How does osteoarthritis affect your social and emotional health?

Living with osteoarthritis can be stressful. You may worry about how it may change your life, work, and relationships.

It's hard to know how fast your arthritis may progress. Your symptoms may come and go, stay the same, or get worse over time. Some days you may feel fine and be able to do the things you need—and want—to do with little pain. Other days the pain may be too much for you to do simple tasks like getting dressed or brushing your teeth.

Some people feel overwhelmed, tired, and angry. They may be afraid that they might become disabled and not be able to care for themselves. They may even wonder if they can keep working. It's okay if you have any of these feelings. Most people who have arthritis feel this way at one time or another.

Some people with arthritis also feel down or depressed. They may describe this as feeling "depressed," "unhappy," "short-tempered," "blue," or "down in the dumps." If you feel like this most of the time, tell your doctor. Treating these symptoms may help you feel better and make it easier for you to do your daily tasks.

How can you cope with osteoarthritis?

There are some simple things you can do to feel better and keep the joy in your life and relationships.


Credits for Coping With Osteoarthritis

Current as of: July 17, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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