Treating osteoarthritis – What you can do

Hip

Lie on your back with your legs straight and about six inches apart. Point your toes up. Slide one leg out to the side and return. Try to keep your toes pointing up. Repeat with other leg.

Knee and Hip

Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other as straight as possible. Bend the knee of the straight leg and bring it towards the chest. Push the leg into the air and then lower it to the floor. Repeat using the other leg.

Shoulder

Lie on your back. Raise one arm over your head, keeping your elbow straight. Keep your arms close to your ear. Return your arms slowly to your side. Repeat with other arm.

Thumb

Open your hand with your fingers straight. Reach your thumb across your palm until it touches the base of your little finger. Stretch your thumb out and repeat.

Shoulder

a) Place your hands behind your head
b) Move your elbows back as far as you can. As you move your elbows back, move your head back. Return to starting position and repeat.

Hip and knee

Lie on your back with your legs straight and about six inches apart. Keep your toes pointed up. Roll your hips and knees in and out, keeping your knees straight.

To further strengthen knees, while lying with both legs out straight, attempt to push one knee down against the floor. Toghten the muscle on the front of the thigh. Hold this tightening for a count of five. Relax. Repeat with other knee.

Fingers

Open your hand, with fingers straight. Bend all your finger joints except the knuckles. Touch the top of the palm. Open and repeat.

Toes

While sitting, lift your toes as high as possible. Then return your toes to the floor and lift your heels as high as possible. Repeat.

Knee

Sit in a chair high enough so that you can swing your leg. Keep your thigh on the chair and straighten out your knee. Hold a few seconds. Then bend your knee back as far as possible. Repeat with other knee.