(The Los Angeles Daily News) -- The holiday shopping season is officially here, and for many it's not only a pain in the neck - but also the knees, according to a recent survey.

Knee pain is most commonly associated with osteoarthritis, a chronic, degenerative disease of the joints that is characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage and degradation of synovial fluid - the liquid that provides cushioning and lubrication between the joints. And long periods of walking, carrying heavy packages and standing in endless lines causes stiffness and pain.

To make shopping a healthier experience, Suzy Gershman, author of Frommer's "Born to Shop" guides, suggests doing some preshopping research at home with your feet up instead of wandering aimlessly through the malls. You can narrow down the field of gift ideas by using online services, magazines, catalogs and newspaper gift guides.

When you're ready to hit the stores, Gershman advises wearing comfy clothing and supportive shoes rather than high heels and miserably tight pantyhose. Bracelets, oversize rings and long necklaces that might snag or hook onto things as you shop should also be left at home. And to stay stress-free, remember to bring your reading glasses so you don't have to continually ask somebody to read price tags. Also bring a list, a pen, your checkbook and credit cards, and photo ID.

More tips to keep your knees from buckling and your back from breaking:

1. Buy heavier items last so you don't have to carry them all over the mall.
2. Bring a collapsible cart to carry your purchases.
3. Have a friend guard your purchases at the door while you drive the car up to the curb.
4. Ask if the store has someone to carry purchases to your car for you.
5. Whenever possible, send packages home or directly to the recipients to save the trouble of wrapping and carrying.
6. Try to take frequent breaks so you can sit down, drink water and possibly put your legs up.

When all else fails and your knees are throbbing, relax in front of the TV with some ice packs for 30 minutes. If pain continues, see your doctor for treatment options that range from analgesics such as acetaminophen to traditional anti-inflammatory drugs to newer pill-free relief such as Synvisc, a fluid similar to synovial fluid that is injected into the knee by a physician.

Copyright 2002 The Los Angeles Daily News. All rights reserved.