10 Nov Tips for Living with Arthritis

Arthritis is a common disorder that affects your joints. There are many types of arthritis. Each form causes different symptoms and may need different treatments. If you have just been diagnosed with arthritis, the first question you may have is, “Now what?”

Unfortunately there is currently no cure for arthritis. However, the good news is that management of the condition is possible with joint protection strategies and a personalised treatment plan which will help you to live well with arthritis.

Tips for Living with Arthritis

1. Acknowledgement

An important first step to managing your condition is acknowledgement. This can be challenging, however, it will often lead to seeking help and therefore further treatment for the symptoms you are currently experiencing.

2.  Take the time to understand what arthritis is

It is important that you have a thorough understanding of your condition to therefore be able to manage and live with it everyday. Use as many resources as you can find through your GP, reliable websites such as Arthritis Australia and of course your hand therapist!

Find out more about how arthritis is diagnosed and treated > here

3. Having an involved healthcare team

It is essential that you have a healthcare team behind you to ensure that you are receiving optimal care. This may include your GP, rheumatologist and hand therapist, to cover all aspects of your care.

4. Treatment options

Knowing your treatment options allows you to find the most suitable method that helps you manage and cope with your condition in everyday life. Remember some may work better for you then others!

In this video hand therapist Rigel explains some of the different splinting and bracing options that are available for arthritis of the hand, wrist and thumb.

5. Staying active

Engaging in regular exercise will help your arthritis by decreasing stiffness and pain in your joints, increase flexibility and muscle strengthening, as well as improving your overall health and wellbeing.

6. Pain management

At Melbourne Hand Rehab pain management is a common aspect of our treatment with those who suffer from Arthritis. Therapy often involves the use of heat mitts, wax bath therapy and therapeutic massage.

7. Seek support

It is important to speak to people who are also going through the same thing as yourself and call upon your friends and family when you need help.

• Arthritis Australia – Get Support https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/get-support/
• MYRA Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Program https://myra.org.au 
• Empowered https://empowered.org.au 
• My Joint Pain https://www.myjointpain.org.au

For more information:

• APA Campaign: Don’t let osteoarthritis hold you back
• The SARAH program for rheumatoid arthritis
• FREE information webinars: osteoarthritis management and rheumatoid arthritis

8. Balance your life

Lastly, as we can often become caught up in everyday life, it is important to balance your work life, everyday occupations and time for rest. This may involve planning your day to conserve energy, pacing activities and using equipment and aids to make tasks more manageable.

By Romy Crellin

If you are experiencing hand, thumb or wrist pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to help you.

For more information, call us directly on 03 9458 5166

Resources: Arthritis Australia, 2017