Osteoarthritis pain management: Simple ways to make daily life easier

Key takeaways

• Osteoarthritis affects millions of Australians, but the right mix of support at home and pain management strategies may help make daily life more comfortable.
• Breaking daily tasks into smaller steps, resting when needed and following exercise guidance from a health professional may help people with osteoarthritis conserve energy and stay more independent at home.
• Small changes at home, assistive aids and support with everyday tasks may help reduce strain on sore joints and make daily routines feel more manageable.
• Through the Mable platform, you can search for and choose independent support workers who understand how osteoarthritis affects daily routines, mobility, comfort and independence.
• It’s important to speak with a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other health professional before trying new exercises, equipment, heat or cold therapy, or changing medication.

Around 2.1 million (8.3%) Australians have osteoarthritis, making it one of the most common forms of arthritis in the country. The condition becomes more common as people age.

If you’re living with osteoarthritis, or helping an older person manage the condition at home, you may already know how much the pain can affect daily routines, independence and wellbeing. Even small tasks around the house may take more energy and planning.

Managing arthritis pain at home may feel like an ongoing challenge, but there are many practical strategies that may help. With the right routines, home set-up and help from independent support workers, it may be possible to make daily life feel easier and more comfortable, while helping you save energy for the things you enjoy most.

Understanding osteoarthritis and arthritis management at home

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, and can affect movement. It can happen in one or more joints, and is commonly felt in the knees, hips, hands, feet and spine. The whole joint may be affected, including the cartilage, bone, ligaments and tendons.

While there is no cure for the condition, many people are able to manage their symptoms with the right treatment, movement, daily support and osteoarthritis pain management. At home, even small changes to daily routines may help make everyday tasks feel more manageable.

It’s also important to recognise that there is an emotional side of living with ongoing pain. Osteoarthritis can make you feel tired and frustrated, especially if it affects your independence or limits your social activities. Having the right support around you may make a real difference not only physically, but emotionally too.

Practical strategies for managing osteoarthritis at home

There are many small, practical ways to help with osteoarthritis pain management at home. These could be finding easier ways to get ready in the morning, planning activities around your energy levels, using equipment that reduces strain, or having someone there to help with tasks that are painful to do alone.

Here are some strategies you may like to consider for managing osteoarthritis pain:

Keep moving gently and regularly

Regular movement can be an important part of managing osteoarthritis. Gentle, low-impact activities, such as short walks, stretching, swimming or hydrotherapy, may help reduce stiffness, maintain joint movement and support strength.

When exercising, it’s important to try to move within comfortable limits, rather than push through pain. A physiotherapist may be helpful here, especially in helping you understand your body’s limits and which exercises are right for your condition.

Try heat and cold therapy

Heat and cold therapy are often used as home remedies for osteoarthritis, and Arthritis Australia notes they may help some people manage pain and stiffness.

A heat pack or a warm shower may help ease stiffness, especially in the morning. Cold packs may be useful when a joint feels swollen or hot after activity. It’s important to check with a doctor or physiotherapist about whether this type of therapy is suitable for you.

Make small changes around the home

If osteoarthritis affects your balance, mobility or grip strength, simple changes at home may reduce strain and help make daily tasks easier. This could include grab rails in the bathroom, non-slip mats, raised toilet seats, better lighting, lever-style door handles or keeping frequently used items within easy reach.

These adjustments may also help you feel more confident moving around your home, especially if pain, stiffness or reduced balance have made you more cautious about moving around.

An occupational therapist may also be able to suggest equipment or changes to suit your home and daily routine. A support worker could also provide mobility assistance, such as safe transfers between your bed and armchair.

Consider using assistive aids and equipment

Adaptive tools may make a big difference in helping you continue to do everyday tasks and feel more confident doing them. Things like jar openers, long-handled reachers, dressing aids, shower chairs and supportive footwear may help you do more with less discomfort.

You may also find it helpful to use cushions, supportive chairs or other positioning aids to reduce pressure on sore joints while resting.

There are also a number of mobility aid options, such as walkers, that you may find helpful. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can suggest what may be suitable for you.

Balance activity with rest

Osteoarthritis symptoms can vary day to day. Some days may feel manageable, while others may be more difficult. Planning the day around your energy levels may help reduce flare-ups. For example, you might spread household tasks across the week, rest before and after appointments, or do more demanding activities at the time of day when pain and stiffness are usually lower.

Get guidance on medication and pain relief

Medication may form part of pain management for osteoarthritis, but it should be discussed with a GP, pharmacist or specialist. This is especially important if you are taking other medications or managing other health conditions.

Always speak to a medical professional, like your GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or a qualified health professional, before trying any new strategies for osteoarthritis pain management at home, including exercises, equipment, heat or cold therapy, or changes to how you manage pain medication.

How independent support workers can help with osteoarthritis care

An in-home support worker can play a practical and meaningful role in helping you manage osteoarthritis day to day. They can help you with essential tasks, while supporting your comfort, independence and quality of life.

Hiring a support worker to help with some tasks may also help you preserve energy for the parts of the day that matter most, whether that’s spending time with family, enjoying a hobby or spending time outdoors.

Every person’s support needs are different, so you may like to take some time to think about what might be right for you. You might find you’d like help with a few regular tasks each week, or you may prefer more consistent daily support with tasks inside and outside your home.

Through Mable, you can find independent support workers who may be able to help with a range of tasks that may make daily life easier. This might include:

• Assistance with showering, dressing or grooming
• Meal preparation, shopping or household tasks that are painful to do by yourself
• Keeping walkways clear and reducing small household hazards, such as clutter, loose mats or items that are hard to reach
• Help with daily routines, such as reminders for appointments, preparing for therapy sessions or making a note of questions to ask a GP or physiotherapist
• Transport to medical appointments, hydrotherapy or community activities
• Support in following a gentle exercise routine recommended by a health professional
• Companionship and support to stay connected with hobbies, community activities or social outings.

What to look for in a support worker for osteoarthritis

The right support worker will depend on your needs, but there are a few qualities that may make day-to-day support feel more comfortable and responsive.

It can help to find someone with experience in personal care, mobility support or supporting people who live with arthritis or other chronic conditions. They should understand that osteoarthritis may affect not only movement, but also confidence, mood and your sense of independence.

As osteoarthritis pain can change from day to day, it may also help to choose a support worker who is patient, flexible and willing to adjust plans when needed. Someone who listens carefully and responds with care may help you feel more supported.

Through Mable, you can choose support workers based on your needs and preferences. You can browse worker profiles, look at their experience, qualifications and reviews, and discuss your needs. You may also like to arrange a meet and greet with a support worker before deciding whether they’re a good fit for your needs.

Discover independent support on Mable

Living with osteoarthritis is often challenging, but you do not have to manage every part of it alone. With practical strategies, professional guidance and the right in-home support, day-to-day life at home may feel more manageable.

Whether you are looking for support for yourself or helping a loved one with osteoarthritis, on the Mable platform you can search and connect with verified independent support workers who offer a wide range of aged care and disability support services.

Get started now, or contact Mable’s support team to find out more about support that suits your osteoarthritis care needs.