10 steps for living well with arthritis

By taking a proactive role in understanding and treating your condition, you will experience less pain- more so than those who feel there is nothing they can do.

Here is our 10 steps checklist to help you live with arthritis.

1. Take control by knowing your disease

Spend the time to understand what type of arthritis you have and then discover the best ways to improve your condition.

Many people with arthritis say that learning about their arthritis and what they can do about it gives them back a feeling of control over their lives and their health.

2. Don’t delay, see your doctor

Because arthritis can get worse if left untreated, you need to see your doctor as early as possible to get a proper diagnosis. This will help you understand your arthritis and develop a plan for managing it. Early diagnosis and treatment can limit the effects of arthritis on your life and help you stay active and independent.

3. Work with your healthcare team and be an important part of it

The best way to live well with arthritis is by working closely with your healthcare team. It may include a variety of healthcare specialists, such as doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, nurses, psychologists and complementary medicine practitioners. Your doctor may also refer you to a rheumatologist (a specialist in conditions that affect the joints and the structures around them).

Remember, you are the most important member of your healthcare team. Make sure you establish and maintain good communication with all the other members.

4. Know about your treatment options

There are many treatments to relieve pain and stiffness and slow the development of your arthritis. Work with your healthcare team to find a combination of treatments that best suits your type of arthritis, the joints affected, the amount of pain or other symptoms you experience and your lifestyle.

5. Find new ways to stay active

Research has found that regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis. It also helps to improve your overall health.

Not all forms of exercise are appropriate for every kind of arthritis. Before you start to exercise, it is important to ask your doctor and healthcare team to help you develop a program that will suit your type of arthritis, general health and lifestyle.

6. Learn techniques to help manage your pain

There are many techniques you can use to cope with pain so you can go on living your life the way you want to. What works for one person may not work for another, so you may have to try different techniques until you find what works best for you.  See Dealing with pain.

7. Acknowledge your feelings and seek support

It is natural to feel frustrated, angry, scared and even depressed at the prospect of having arthritis. There are many people who can help you deal with the emotional side of arthritis, including family and friends, counsellors or psychologists. Remember don’t try to go it alone, get some help.

8. Make food choices that count

There are many myths about food and arthritis. However, no diet has been proven by research to cure arthritis and there is very little scientific evidence that specific foods have an effect on arthritis.

9. Balance your life. Medication search

When you have arthritis you need to find the right balance between work, activity and rest. Learn how to pace yourself to make the most of your energy and about equipment that can make daily tasks easier.

10. Call your local State/Territory Arthritis Office

Learn about the regular information sessions and arthritis self-management courses run by your local Arthritis Office. These will introduce you to a wide ranges of skills and small changes you can make that can lessen the impact of arthritis on your life. The National InfoLine 1800 011 041 is also available between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Trained professionals will assist in answering your Arthritis related enquiry.

More information

For more detailed information, see our booklet 10 steps for living well with arthritis.