The winter months offer no shortage of fun-filled seasonal activities. Unfortunately, many Canadians are sidelined from participating in the things they might normally like to do this time of year, such as cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, indoor tennis or even going away on vacation. People with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, for example, often avoid even simple things such as visiting family and friends over the holidays. Chronic pain is persistent, often lasting more than three months. When associated with OA of the knee, the pain can be debilitating, compromising mobility and leaving sufferers feeling susceptible to injuries – and isolated from getting out and doing the things they enjoy. 

For the 10 per cent of Canadians the Arthritis Society of Canada says are living with OA, managing chronic knee pain can be challenging. What may pose even more difficult is finding a safe and effective way to alleviate the pain so that they can continue to stay active.

The most common kind of arthritis, OA is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joint. In the knee, tissues are unable to repair themselves, causing cartilage and bone to erode, resulting in stiffness, swelling and severe pain in the joints. With time, the condition can result in chronic pain, so speaking with a doctor or specialist is critical to ensure that a pain management plan is established.”Ongoing pain and stiffness in the knees should not be ignored or accepted as a sign of aging. If someone finds they can barely walk upstairs, let alone participate in the activities they once enjoyed, it is important they speak to their doctor as it could be the result of a serious condition that requires treatment,” says Dr. Philip Baer, rheumatologist. “Developing an individualized treatment plan can help patients better manage their pain so they can get on with their lives.”

Following these tips can help you better manage OA knee pain – so that you can get back to enjoying the activities you’d like to do this winter:

Shed the pounds

If you are carrying excess weight, adjusting your diet to include more servings of fruits and vegetables and lower-calorie foods, for example, can help you slim down.

Losing just 10 lbs can take pressure off knee joints, reduce pain and help improve overall physical function.

Get moving

Exercise and physiotherapy can help improve muscle strength and joint stability. Low impact movement, such as practicing yoga and engaging in meditative activities, can also help you cope with pain. Do be mindful of your physical limitations and work within them, so as not to over-exert your sensitive knees.

Talk the talk – so you can walk the walk

Speak with your doctor to learn about the options available to relieve pain and improve functionality. An open dialog will help you to better understand your condition- and best treatment option.

There are a number of over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which can help relieve OA knee pain. Prior to taking any medication, always consult with your healthcare provider.

If non-prescription medications are ineffective, your doctor might recommend a new treatment option for OA knee pain called a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Some SNRIs are safe and effective oral medications that can help turn down the volume of the pain and are well-tolerated.

When discussing treatment options, be sure to discuss the pros and cons of each type, including side effects and possible addictive properties.

Brace yourself

Wearing a knee sleeve or brace is shown to provide relief from inflammation and joint pain, and can provide some added support during activities.

Courtesy of Newscanada