Managing Osteoarthritis During COVID-19 Outbreak
Expert tips for safely managing OA pain, medications, exercise, and mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.
Get essential tips for controlling your osteoarthritis pain and symptoms safely during the coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Sharon Kolasinski, OA expert and Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Penn Musculoskeletal Center, University of Pennsylvania, addresses key concerns about infection risk, medications, physical therapy, exercise, and mental health.
Do my OA pain meds or other meds put me at greater risk of getting COVID-19?
Early in the pandemic, concerns arose that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen might worsen COVID-19 outcomes or increase infection risk. However, major authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO), American College of Rheumatology (ACR), and NSAID pharmacology experts confirm no evidence supports this. Patients with osteoarthritis should continue NSAIDs as prescribed by their healthcare providers.
Other common OA treatments like acetaminophen (paracetamol) pose no known COVID-19 risks. For corticosteroids or opioids, consult your doctor, as chronic use may affect immune response, though evidence is inconclusive. A PMC review notes that while anti-inflammatory drugs might theoretically impair early viral response, they could benefit later cytokine storm phases, but data remains limited. Always weigh individual risks with your physician.
Is it safe to go to the doctor’s office or physical therapy during COVID-19?
Healthcare facilities have implemented stringent infection control: mandatory masks for staff and patients, abundant hand sanitizer, spaced appointments, temperature screenings, and social distancing in waiting areas. Call ahead to confirm protocols—many offices exceed standard precautions.
For physical therapy (PT), remote telehealth surged during lockdowns but has limitations in exercise instruction and progress assessment. As facilities reopen, expect restrictions like limited patient numbers, enhanced equipment disinfection, and hybrid telehealth/in-person options. Check state guidelines and discuss comfort measures with your PT provider.
How can I exercise with osteoarthritis during the pandemic?
Exercise remains cornerstone OA management, yet gyms, pools, and YMCAs closed, stress reduced activity, and weight gain from altered routines challenged many. A Arthritis Foundation survey found nearly one-third of OA patients reported worsened symptom control due to pandemic disruptions.
Set realistic goals: Start with 15-minute daily walks outdoors, a habit many adopted successfully. Progress to varied routines incorporating stretching, strengthening, and balance.
- Seated exercises: Chair yoga via YouTube videos.
- Resistance training: Use therapy bands, soup cans, or water bottles as weights.
- Virtual classes: Free online sessions from gyms, yoga studios, or Arthritis Foundation resources.
- Social exercise: Video call friends for joint workouts.
- Review PT routines: Revisit prior exercises for familiarity.
Consistency beats intensity—short daily sessions build habits without overwhelm.
How can I manage my anxiety during COVID-19?
Pandemic anxiety exacerbates OA pain, disrupts sleep, and reduces activity. Acknowledge feelings and seek support: Discuss with your primary care doctor, confide in family/friends, or try mind-body techniques.
- Mindfulness meditation apps.
- Guided visualization or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Deep breathing exercises.
Combining anxiety management with OA care improves outcomes. Arthritis Foundation resources offer coping tips.
Additional Strategies for OA During Pandemics
Beyond core FAQs, maintain holistic management:
| Strategy | Benefits for OA & COVID-19 | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Keep Up Medical Care | Prevents flare-ups; monitors comorbidities | Telehealth visits; reschedule safely |
| Supplements | May support joint health (e.g., glucosamine) | Consult doctor; evidence mixed |
| Manage Comorbidities | Reduces COVID-19 severity risk | Control blood pressure, diabetes |
| Healthy Diet | Anti-inflammatory; weight control | Mediterranean-style foods |
| Prioritize Sleep | Lowers pain sensitivity | Consistent schedule; limit screens |
| Social Distancing | Infection prevention | Masks, vaccines, hand hygiene |
Recent data emphasizes vaccination and boosters for arthritis patients, as controlled disease improves COVID-19 recovery. Surveys highlight ongoing challenges: 1/3 of OA patients face barriers to care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I stop taking NSAIDs if I get COVID-19?
A: No—continue as prescribed unless advised otherwise. WHO and ACR endorse NSAID safety; they do not increase severity. Monitor symptoms and contact your doctor.
Q: Can telehealth replace in-person PT entirely?
A: It supplements but cannot fully replace hands-on assessment. Alternate as facilities reopen with precautions.
Q: Does weight gain from lockdowns worsen OA?
A: Yes—extra pounds stress joints. Counter with home exercises and mindful eating.
Q: Are OA patients at higher COVID-19 risk?
A: Not inherently, but comorbidities (obesity, diabetes) elevate risk. Manage these aggressively.
Q: How do vaccines interact with OA meds?
A: Generally safe; immunocompromised patients may need boosters. Consult rheumatologist.
Pharmacological Considerations from Research
A detailed PMC analysis reviews OA drugs amid COVID-19. NSAIDs remain first-line despite early concerns, with no proven infection link. Corticosteroids require caution in active infection due to immunosuppression, though beneficial in hyperinflammation. Opioids and duloxetine offer alternatives without respiratory impact.
For non-infected OA patients, standard regimens persist. Infected patients need tailored approaches balancing pain control and immune function.
This guidance, synthesized from expert FAQs and peer-reviewed reviews, empowers OA management in uncertain times. Prioritize vaccination, healthy lifestyles, and prompt medical consultation.
References
- Management of Osteoarthritis During the COVID‐19 Pandemic — Cantone et al., Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2020-05-01. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7280639/
- FAQ: Managing Osteoarthritis During COVID-19 Outbreak — Arthritis Foundation. 2020-06-15. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/managing-osteoarthritis-during-covid-19-outbreak
- COVID-19 FAQs: Recovery and Outcomes — Arthritis Foundation. 2023-01-10. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/covid-19-faqs-recovery-and-outcomes
- COVID-19 Highlights Need For New OA Treatments — Arthritis Foundation. 2020-08-20. https://www.arthritis.org/about-us/news-and-updates/covid-19-survey-of-oa-patients
- COVID-19 and OA: Tips for Staying Healthy — Arthritis Foundation. 2022-11-05. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/covid-19-and-oa-tips
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