After my arthritis diagnosis, I had to do a lot of soul-searching. I didn’t really have a choice as I was bedridden for a couple of weeks, and even after I felt a bit better, my movement was restricted. Previously, I hadn’t really given it much thought, but that’s just me speeding through things, not bothering to read the fine print. However, I was forced to deal with the fact that life would never be the same again. I couldn’t stand for prolonged periods and could only walk for a few minutes at a time, and stairs were best forgotten. It was challenging, but I could not ignore the knee pain this time as I had always done. During the years that preceded my final diagnosis, I kept adjusting my movements in order to accommodate my advancing handicap. I want to emphasize that my personality traits played a significant role in not going to the doctor, not dealing with my illness head-on, and not being proactive when I first started feeling it. I had all the resources in the world but didn’t like unpleasantness. I don’t particularly appreciate going to doctors and hospitals.

Now, I am planning because I must, and I am discovering that many options are available that help with pain and improve movement. I will list the possibilities here:

1. Gel injections or visco-supplementation
2. PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
3. Strength training (building muscle 
4. Swimming to build muscle, be active and lose the extra weight
5. Bone broth or collagen supplements
6. Glucosamine supplement
7. Foods that promote good bone health

Gel injections are an artificial gel meant to lubricate the joint and can provide decent, long-term pain relief. PRP is also meant to relieve pain and can be suitable for 6-8 months. Strength training builds muscle and improves movement. Swimming is better than walking or using various machines because the joints will not bear the body weight inside the water. Also, an added benefit is that swimming helps build excellent cardiac health. Glucosamine is recommended and sworn by many physicians but refuted by many. In my opinion, glucosamine benefits some but not all. We are not all exactly equal, and glucosamine is a supplement, not a medication. Weight loss can play a crucial role here as knee joints bear our weight, and the less weight they carry, the better off they are. The bottom line is that we are in a race once osteoarthritis starts. The cartilage starts wearing down, and eventually, the bones rub against each other. That said, we can take measures to slow it down and make our lives more comfortable. One day, advances in science and medicine might make it possible to regrow cartilage or stop its loss.