Resting joints after overdoing

When a person with OA pushes too hard, either in an exercise program or when doing household tasks or his or her job, joints will hurt. It is important to give the body time to recover. If there is joint pain (as opposed to muscle pain) that persists for two hours after ceasing an activity, consider it a warning sign that the joint should be rested for a day or soand that therapies like warmth and cold or painkilling drugs may be called for.

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Don't eliminate the exercise or activity for good, since inactivity will make OA worse. Simply do the activity or exercise for a shorter period, or more gently. If this doesn't help, a physical therapist will be able to advise you on exercise techniques that cause less pain, and an occupational therapist will be able to do the same thing for household or work tasks.