Rest is a commonly overlooked treatment for fighting osteoarthritis. When you’re in pain, it seems like all you can do is rest. However, resting at the right moments and receiving adequate rest is very crucial. Giving your joints time-off can greatly reduce the stress placed on them. This reduces inflammation, which will ease the pain of osteoarthritis. If you can’t seem to get comfortable and it causes you to turn from side-to-side, you will not be able to give your joints the rest they need in order to reduce your pain and inflammation. Concentrate on sleep and rest techniques that aid in a structured, undisturbed rest such as the following suggestions:

• Try going to bed every night at the same time.
• Refrain from doing any activity in bed besides sleep and rest. Schedule your naps routinely at the same time during the day.
• Remove all distractions like TV, cell phones, and other external disturbances.
• Make sure that the afflicted area is extended comfortably and will stay in that rest position during the entire period.
• Try some muscle relaxation techniques: lay flat on your back and focus on each area of your body and consciously relax those areas. It would also be beneficial to try some breathing techniques because they promote overall relaxation.
• An ice pack is a helpful item to have around during periods of rest. Icing painful areas reduces pain and inflammation by slowing down the blood flow to the area that is in pain. When you do not have to move around, this is the best time to apply ice and receive the most benefits from it.

Topical analgesics and solutions are also a great idea during periods of rest. Before you go to bed at night, apply a lotion, cream, or salve that relieves your pain so that you begin your rest pain-free.