Emotional journey

Being told you have osteoarthritis can feel overwhelming. Osteoarthritis is a serious condition that has an unpredictable course and you may be worried about what is going to happen to you.

Living with a long-term health problem like osteoarthritis can affect more than just your physical wellbeing. In many cases, it can also take its toll on your emotions, making you feel anxious, stressed or sometimes a bit low.

Talk about your arthritis

Just because a condition like osteoarthritis is very common doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable or frustrating to live with. Try to share your feelings with a friend, partner or counsellor. If they understand better what you’re going through, they may be able to be more supportive and make you feel less alone with your condition.

If you can't shake off your feelings of anxiety you may be suffering from depression. Speak to your doctor or practice nurse.

Relax

Finding ways to relax can make a big difference to how you cope with your condition. See some ideas you might want to try in our five ways to stress-busting.

1. Treat your body with respect by making a special effort to eat properly and get enough sleep. Doing some exercise can also make you feel better about yourself and give you a more positive outlook on life. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel tired or slightly unwell, don't overdo things.
2. Try to cut back on stimulants like alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. These may provide short-term pleasure, but in the longer term they will make you feel even worse.
3. Experiment with relaxation techniques. Many people find meditation and visualisation techniques extremely relaxing, and puts them in a positive frame of mind. For more information on meditation visit www.metta.org.uk/meditate A practical way to start is to buy a relaxation tape or CD. These are widely available from book or music shops. To a background of relaxing, unobtrusive music, you will be encouraged to slowly relax your body, and then focus on relaxing and positive thoughts.
4. Indulge yourself now and then. Go for a massage or a pedicure. Being pampered by someone else can help you relax, release stored up tension and make you feel better about your life.
5. Take time out to do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, sitting in the park or going to the cinema.

Sleep well

Getting a good night's sleep can do wonders for your feeling of wellbeing.

When you are in physical pain because of your osteoarthritis – or simply worrying about your health – this can, however, be easier said than done. If you can't sleep properly for a few nights in a row, or even longer, your symptoms could feel much worse. A good night’s sleep won’t cure crippling pain but it will help you cope.

If you're struggling to get to sleep, or find that you're waking up in the middle of the night, try our secrets to a sound slumber.

• Avoid eating or drinking too much close to bedtime as this may make you want to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
• Stay away from stimulants such as caffeine (including chocolate), alcohol and tobacco in the evening. These will stimulate your nervous system and make it hard for you to drop off.
• Check your non-prescription medicines as these may contain caffeine or another substance called pseudoephedrine, which will keep you awake.
• Get some exercise to ease stress and help you relax, so you don't lie there worrying about things when you should be asleep.
• Relaxation and breathing techniques can be beneficial, helping you to let go of anxieties that may prevent you from falling asleep.

If you still can't get to sleep, it may be worth talking to your doctor or practice nurse, as it could be a sign of another medical problem.

Practical help

The NHS and Social Services can provide a number of services to make your life a little easier..

For example, there are many healthcare professionals who look after people with osteoarthritis including physiotherapists, podiatrists and occupational therapists.

If you require equipment, such as a wheelchair or walking frame, the occupational therapy department can sometimes lend items out and help you to adapt your home.

Ask at your GP surgery for further practical support.

Telling your employer

If you are employed, being diagnosed with a long-term health problem like osteoarthritis can affect your job. If you would like to – or need to – continue working normally, you may be concerned about what to say to your employer. See our guide on telling your employer (PDF) about a long-term health problem such as osteoarthritis.

Support groups & charities

There are a number of UK organisations which provide invaluable help, information and support to people with arthritis. They are also a useful source of information for those caring for others with long-term conditions or for friends and relatives. 

Contacting these organisations and getting involved in any activities they arrange can help you to understand and manage your condition (or conditions) better. 

Here is the contact details of an organisation you may find useful.

Please note: Contact details are for information only and are correct at time of going to press. Pfizer is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Arthritis Care
18 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD. 
Website: www.arthritiscare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 4050 – Mon – Fri, 12pm – 4pm  
Email: info@arthritiscare.org.uk
Arthritis Care has a number of branches and groups across the UK.