How To Manage Arthritis

Be physically active. For people with arthritis, physical activities such as walking, bicycling, and swimming have been shown to  have significant benefits, including reducing pain and improving physical function, mental health, and quality of life.

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program, and EnhanceFitness are three examples of community exercise programs that have been 
shown to improve health among participants.

Control your weight. Weight control and injury prevention measures can lower a person’s risk of developing osteoarthritis. 
Weight loss also can reduce symptoms for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Change your daily activities. You may have to change your daily activities to reduce pain and protect affected joints from further damage. Changes in your home can help you live safely, productively, and with less pain. In the bathroom, installing grab bars in the tub or shower and by the toilet can help. Placing a secure seat in the shower or tub and raising the height of the toilet seat can also help. Special kitchen tools can make it easier for you to prepare food if you have arthritis in your hands. 

Consult a physician. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are especially important for people with inflammatory arthritis. Recommendations from health care providers are the most influential factor in convincing people to take an arthritis self-management course.