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1. Heat and cold for painful joints

   Moist heat can temporarily ease pain and stiffness and relax your muscles to give you a good start to the day or make it easier to sleep at night. Try taking a bath or shower both in the morning and evening, or apply warm towels or hot packs for about 15 minutes. Cold treatments may help joints that have been overstressed (but don't use if you have poor circulation). One easy way is to use a bag of loose, frozen peas, wrapped in a towel. Apply for no more than 10 to 15 minutes. Check with your health care professional or physical therapist to see if heat or cold is better for you.

2. How medications work to relieve pain

   You've probably heard about Celebrex, a medication now prescribed to treat osteoarthritis, adult rheumatoid arthritis and acute pain. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is known as a COX-2 inhibitor because it inhibits an enzyme called COX-2, which triggers pain and inflammation, while sparing an enzyme called COX-1, which helps maintain stomach lining. Celebrex carries the potential for increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with its use; in fact, two other COX-2 inhibitors—Vioxx and Bextra—were removed from the U.S. market a few years ago due to their risks. Be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Celebrex with your health care professional.

3. Exercise to keep knee pain from slowing you down

   To keep osteoarthritis of the knee from interfering with your daily activities, maintain a light exercise regimen—and stick to it faithfully. The amount and form of exercise you can do will depend on how stable your knee joint is and whether a joint replacement has already been done.

   When it comes to osteoarthritis of the knee, the level of muscle strength in the thigh muscle (quadriceps) is important. Strengthening this muscle can relieve symptoms and prevent more damage. Walking can result in better functioning and increased walking distance.

   Ask your health care professional or physical therapist what exercises are best for you. Ask for guidelines on exercising when your knee is sore or if swelling is present.

4. Don't let diet news confuse

   Cover all bases by sticking to a healthy weight-loss or weight-maintenance diet with well-balanced, not excessive, vitamin and mineral supplements. Don't overdo even with "natural" nutrients. For example, vitamin E, a naturally occurring antioxidant found in grains, nuts and oils, may help prevent development or worsening of knee osteoarthritis but does not appear to be much of a pain reliever, as previously thought. At the same time, too much of it could increase the risk of bleeding in those taking anti-bleeding medications. Ask your health professional about the best diet and nutritional supplement regimen for you.

5. Smart strategies for fighting fatigue

   If you're fed up with feeling tired, you're not alone. Arthritis tends to sap your energy. Get extra rest by taking breaks or naps during the day and allowing time for a full night's sleep. See your health care professional if you have trouble sleeping. Prioritize your activities and do the most important ones first, when you have the most energy. Pace yourself and don't overdo. Set a time limit on shopping, and watch for places you can stop to get off your feet, for example.