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Osteoarthritis may change your life in some ways. You’ll need help and support to deal with these changes.
Your family and friends are a great place to start. Talk with them about your condition. Tell them what it’s like to live with pain and limited motion. This will help them understand what you’re going through. It will also make it easier to ask them for help.
Learning to ask for help is hard for some people. They see it as weakness. Or, they don’t want to be a burden. Try to get past this reaction. Talking about your condition is a way to begin.
Support groups are another resource. They are a way to find people who share your experience. Local senior centers or hospitals can often tell you about area support groups.
If you can’t leave home or don’t want to meet in person, look to the Internet. You can find a range of support groups online. Look for ones connected with well-known health organizations. Remember: Never act on advice you get on the Internet, or anywhere else, without first checking with your doctor.
Professional support is another option. Some people need more support than their loved ones or support groups can give. If so, they can turn to one or more specialists. Occupational therapists and social workers provide tips about daily living. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other counselors offer help with emotional problems, like depression or marital difficulties.
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