How is rest used in ostearthritis?

Except in rare situations, rest does not mean total body rest. It means that those joints which are especially symptomatic are “put to rest”. There are techniques people can learn, called “energy conservation” and “joint sparing” techniques, to accomplish household and daily tasks without stress to joints of the arms and hands. There are techniques and devices that can “unload” some of the stress in the lower extremities. For example, using a cane or crutches to “rest” a symptomatic joint, can often be a temporary strategy to reduce inflammation and pain while gradually regaining strength and flexibility through exercise. Generally, each situation calls for a subtle balance between exercise and rest. Too much or too little of either can be detrimental.

What are orthotics and what is their role in osteoarthritis?

Orthotics are appliances or devices which control, support, or substitute for movements which the body would otherwise perform. These include corsets, splints, braces, and elastic supports. Appropriately prescribed, these can reduce aggravating factors or “unload” joints and thereby help in allowing those joints to rest. These include wrist or finger splints, knee braces, and heel cups or shoe orthotics.

What is the prognosis in osteoarthritis?

Although the prognosis is very variable, most patients experience relief and reduction of symptoms and resumption of prior lifestyle in time. A certain smaller percent of patients may have progressive degeneration or “wear and tear” on one or more joints, which necessitates surgical intervention. Arthroscopic surgery often makes surgery a very viable choice. When necessary, dramatic progress in joint replacement surgery has made this option more and more attractive in patients otherwise unresponsive to conservative measures. However, because of little risk and frequent success, a conservative trial is almost always indicated.