Caring for a Loved One with Osteoarthritis
June 2, 2025
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When someone you care about is living with chronic pain due to a condition like osteoarthritis, it can be very difficult to manage. You may notice changes in how they move, how they feel or how they handle everyday tasks. You want to help, but it’s not always clear where to start.
As symptoms progress, daily routines may become more challenging, and your role as caregiver may evolve in unexpected ways. Understanding what osteoarthritis is, and how it can change over time, can help you provide support that’s both compassionate and practical. Here’s how you can help your loved one manage their condition and support their quality of life.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis is a general term that refers to more than 100 diseases and related conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It develops gradually over time and occurs most frequently in older adults. In Canada, more than 4 million people—or approximately one in seven—are living with OA.
Healthy joints are covered in a smooth, protective layer of cartilage that allows bones to glide over each other without friction. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage breaks down gradually, causing bones to rub together during movement. This leads to pain, inflammation and reduced mobility. As the condition progresses, the structure of the joint may also change. Bone spurs, or small bony growths, can form at the edges of the joint and fragments of bone or cartilage may break off and float within the joint space.
OA can affect any joint, but it commonly occurs in the hands, knees, hips and spine. The severity of symptoms varies widely. For some, symptoms are mild and manageable, while for others, osteoarthritis can lead to chronic pain, disability and a significant loss of independence. While OA is a progressive and irreversible disease, symptoms can often be managed effectively.
What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen over time. Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain during or after movement, which often improves with rest.
- Pain that becomes more persistent or worsens at night as the condition progresses.
- Joint stiffness and reduced range of motion, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling caused by inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
- A popping, cracking or grating sensation when using the joint.
- A feeling that the joint is loose or unstable.
- Visible joint changes such as deformity or the appearance of bone spurs.
As symptoms progress, daily activities like getting in and out of the shower, standing up from a chair, or gripping kitchen tools, can become more challenging.
Caring for a Loved One with Osteoarthritis
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, symptoms can be managed to improve comfort, mobility and quality of life. As a caregiver you can make a meaningful difference. Here’s how to help:
Educate Yourself. Understanding osteoarthritis helps caregivers make informed decisions and provide compassionate care. Ask health professionals for guidance or visit Arthritis Society Canada for reliable resources.
Help with Pain Management. Pain is typically the most difficult symptom of OA to manage. Assist with administering medications—prescribed, over-the-counter or topical—and with applying hot or cold packs as recommended. Encourage trying other pain management options like acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy and chiropractic care. Keep track of pain levels and share observations with the healthcare team.
Make Home Adjustments. Support mobility by helping your loved one move safely around the home. Use mobility aids like canes or walkers as needed. Modify the home to reduce fall risks: remove loose rugs, install a toilet seat riser, add grab bars in the bathroom and store essential kitchen items between shoulder and hip height.
Use Adaptive Equipment. Assistive devices can simplify daily tasks. Consider ergonomic kitchen tools, easy-grip toothbrushes, grabber tools for reaching items from a seated positions, and replacing round faucet knobs with lever handles. An occupational therapist can recommend the right tools for each situation and your loved one’s specific needs.
Support Nourishing Choices. Certain foods have been proven to reduce inflammation and support joint health. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce stress on joints and help manage pain. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids—while limiting red meat and added sugar—can be beneficial. Grocery shop together, try new anti-inflammatory recipes and make healthy eating a shared and enjoyable activity.
Encourage Physical Activity. Staying active is an important part of managing OA. Low-impact activities like walking, biking, swimming and stretching can ease joint discomfort and improve flexibility and strength. Go for a walk together, try a beginner-friendly yoga class or find an aquatic exercise class at a local community centre. Moving together not only supports physical health, but can lift spirts and provide meaningful connection.
Attend Medical Appointments. If possible, accompany your loved one to medical appointments. Help by taking notes, asking questions and providing details they might forget. This can improve care and help them feel more supported during what can be an overwhelming experience.
Provide Emotional Support. Living with a chronic illness is physically and emotionally taxing. Offer a listening ear and validate your loved one’s feelings. Rather than trying to fix their pain, acknowledge it. Regular check-ins and shared activities can help with feelings of isolation and encouragement and positivity can be powerful motivators.
Find Support Groups. Support groups provide an outlet for sharing experiences, reducing isolation and learning coping strategies. Both caregivers and those living with osteoarthritis can benefit. Arthritis Society Canada offers information on in-person and online support groups across the country.
Taking Care, Together
Supporting someone with osteoarthritis comes with many challenges, from managing pain and mobility to making day-to-day tasks more accessible. The care you provide plays a vital role in helping your loved one maintain independence and quality of life.
At the same time, it’s so important to not lose sight of your own well-being. Caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding, and without the right support, it can lead to burnout. Make space for your own needs, lean on family and friends and take breaks whenever you can. By caring for yourself, you’ll be better equipped to show up with patience, energy and compassion—for both your loved one and yourself.
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