Arthritis

Treatment for arthritis

There’s no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help manage the condition.

The best treatment for you will depend on what type of arthritis you have. Often, you will need a combination of treatments to help manage arthritis.

Some common treatments for arthritis include:

• painkillers
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• corticosteroids
• disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• physiotherapy
• regular exercise

In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. This includes:

• joint replacement
• joint fusion
• osteotomy (where a bone is cut and re-aligned)

Further information on treatments for arthritis from Arthritis UK

Occupational therapy

An Occupational Therapist can help if you have severe arthritis that affects your:

• ability to move around your home
• carry out everyday tasks, like cooking and cleaning

They can tell you about equipment you may need to help you live independently.

Depending on the type of arthritis, your GP may be able to refer you to an NHS Occupational Therapist.

Further information on Occupational Therapy

How to protect your joints

If you have arthritis, it’s important to look after your joints to prevent more damage.

Do

• use larger, stronger joints as levers – for example, take the pressure of opening a heavy door on your shoulder rather than on your hand
• use several joints to spread the weight of an object – for example, use both hands to carry your shopping
• try to avoid gripping too tightly – grip as loosely as possible or use a padded handle to widen your grip
• try to avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time – take regular breaks so you can move around
• keep things in easy reach
• use a hand rail to help you get up and down the stairs
• use long-handled tools to pick things up or to clean
• fit levers to taps to make them easier to turn
• use electric kitchen equipment, like tin openers, when preparing food

How to do tasks at home

If you have arthritis, carrying out tasks around the home can be a challenge. But, making some practical changes to your home and changing the way you work should make things easier.

Managing your weight

If you’re overweight, losing weight can help you cope with arthritis.

Too much weight places excess pressure on the joints in your hips, knees, ankles and feet. This can lead to more pain and mobility problems.

Further information on managing your weight

Exercise

If your arthritis is painful, you may not feel like exercising. But, being active can help reduce and prevent pain.

Alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise can help you lose weight which will place less strain on your joints.

Regular exercise can also:

• improve the range of movement in your joints
• improve joint mobility
• increase muscle strength
• reduce stiffness
• boost your energy

As long as you do the right type and level of exercise for your condition, your arthritis won’t get any worse. Speak to your GP for advice about the type and level of exercise that’s right for you.

Further information on exercising with arthritis from Arthritis UK

Telecare Self-Check online tool

The Telecare Self-Check online tool can help you find the right support for you in your area.

Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.

Living with arthritis isn't easy. Everyday tasks can often be painful and hard to manage. Even so, there are many things you can do to keep living a healthy life.

Work

Many people with arthritis want to keep working, for reasons like financial security and self-esteem. Work may feel challenging, but your employer should help you get the training and support you need. Talk to your line manager or HR department about your condition to get the right support. Treatment can also help you return to work after being diagnosed with arthritis. If your arthritis is so severe that you can't work, help is available, such as the Personal Independence Payment. Further information on work and arthritis from Arthritis UK.

Diet

It's very important to eat a healthy, balanced diet if you have arthritis. Eating well gives you the nutrients you need and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Your diet should include a variety of foods from all 5 food groups. These are:

• fruit and vegetables
• starchy foods, like bread, rice, potatoes and pasta
• meat, fish, eggs and beans
• milk and dairy foods
• foods containing fat and sugar

Further information on a healthy, balanced diet.