Patient/caregiver was educated on foods to be avoided by individuals with osteoarthritis as follows: Gluten containing foods: Consumption of gluten containing foods, such as, wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and malt could contribute to exacerbation of arthritis in individuals with history. Avoiding/minimizing consumption of these gluten-containing grains and products made of them can be of significant help in preventing exacerbation of joint pains in individuals with arthritis. Added sugars: Consumption of food products with added/extra sugars [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the role of exercise of osteoarthritis as follows: Exercise helps to reduce pain & tenderness in the joint, which results in improved participation in the exercise schedule. Exercise helps to improve strength & stability in the inflamed joint. This results in improved balance and coordination. Improved strength and balance helps improve posture, which contributes to reducing stress on the inflamed joint. Increased stability and improved balance in the inflamed joint contributes [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the measures to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbation of osteoarthritis as follows: Compliance with exercise: Exercise helps to reduce pain & tenderness, improve strength & stability in the joint. Do not over do on the exercise recommended to a point that it leads to exacerbation of pain due to overuse of the joint involved. Check with your physician or therapist regarding recommendations for exercise to your inflamed joint. Observe compliance with [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the measures to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbation of osteoarthritis as follows: Control of pain and inflammation: Observe compliance with intake of pain medications, as prescribed. Individuals could be prescribed a wide range of pain medications, depending on the intensity of pain and severity of symptoms. In the initial stages of arthritis, individuals could be prescribed over-the-counter pain killers, such as, Tylenol. As the condition progresses and worsens, individuals could be [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the complications of unresolved osteoarthritis as follows: Bone fracture: Chronic exposure of the bone and joint to inflammation and injury leads to severe damage to the structure of bone, thus weakening the framework, resulting in fracture of the bone. Bone death and infection: Chronic inflammatory activity in the joint with swelling can compromise blood supply to the joint. Blood supply to any tissue is important for nutrient and oxygen supply. Reduced [...]