According to the recent Tylenol Canadian Pain Survey findings, 67 per cent of Canadians 45+ who suffer from osteoarthritis agree that the disease makes them feel older, and more than half (54 per cent) say they have felt down or depressed when it prevents them from participating in their favourite pastimes and activities. The majority, however, try to maintain a positive outlook about remaining active (88 per cent) and don let it dominate what they can and cannot do.

We know that osteoarthritis causes aches and pains, but we tend to forget that these physical effects can set off a number of emotional effects as well, says osteoarthritis expert, Dr. J. Carter Thorne. The good news for Canadians with osteoarthritis is that there are lots of options to get back to living life and ultimately aging well.

The survey reveals that in the past month, nine in ten sufferers engaged in some form of treatment to help minimize the discomfort associated with this chronic condition, including exercise (45 per cent), hot and cold therapy (30 per cent), and over-the-counter options (61 per cent), like Tylenol. Dr. Thorne suggests the following options to help manage the pain associated with osteoarthritis:

¥ Always discuss your pain management plan with your doctor.

¥ Incorporate regular, gentle exercise to keep muscles strong and flexible.

¥ Protect your joints from injury and avoid excess stress on affected joints.

¥ Eat well and maintain a healthy body weight to relieve joint stress.

¥ Consider over-the-counter pain relievers with acetaminophen, like Tylenol Arthritis Pain, which provides safe and effective relief when used as directed.

¥ Try relaxation techniques to help ease pain.

¥ Use hot and cold therapy to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling.

More information about osteoarthritis management can be found online at www.livingwell.ca. q