Are you a friend or family member of OA, and are trying to learn more about it to help them out some?  Well, you have come to the right place.  This blog is about exactly that – it explores how one can help and what they can do with friends or family members that have OA.

First, don’t treat them like they are different.  They really aren’t, and you know it – they will also get pretty offended.  There are things you can do though that they would appreciate.  Like for instance, I had a friend with bad OA in their knees.  They needed to have multiple surgeries, and couldn’t really do much – so I decided instead of being awkward around them or outright avoiding them, I would help out and that would be how we spent time together.

So, I offered them rides to appointments that they had but couldn’t really drive to.  I also brought them over a bunch of fun movies to watch so they wouldn’t get bored, and I picked up some groceries for them on my way there.  While they watched the movies, I did some of their laundry.

Basically, the best way you can help people with OA – or any disease for that matter – just don’t worry.  That may sound hard, but if you focus that “worrying’ energy, and instead use it to help, it will be better for anyone.

Please feel free to leave your own suggestions for how you help would or do help others with OA.