Arthritis Management Resource Guide

Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of your bones wears away over time. The chronic condition affects mostly middle-aged and older adults in their hands, hips and knees.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in your joints and organs. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your healthy joint tissue, leading to swelling and pain at the site. It usually starts to show up between the ages of 30 and 60, but anyone can develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Psoriatic Arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune joint disease that mainly affects people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. When symptoms flare up, you may notice a “sausage-like” swelling in your fingers and toes, as well as pitted or misshapen fingernails.

Juvenile arthritis is a type of arthritis affecting children under the age of 16. There are many types of juvenile arthritis, the most common being juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which causes inflammation, stiffness, swelling and pain in one or several joints. JIA is an autoimmune disease and can cause secondary symptoms such as blurry vision and eye inflammation, rashes, fever and fatigue.

According to the Arthritis Society Canada, eating anti-inflammatory foods can help alleviate pain, morning stiffness and inflammation while improving overall health. Studies suggest eating a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids gives your body the support it needs to ease symptoms.

One example is the Mediterranean-style diet—eat leafy greens, fish, nuts and berries, olive oil, seeds and beans, while avoiding highly processed foods, saturated fats and excessive sugar. In general, it’s recommended you make specific dietary modifications depending on your type of arthritis.

Stay active regularly to keep your body limber, reduce stiffness, build muscle and joint flexibility and ease pain over time. Look to low-impact activities like walking, yoga, swimming, tai chi and cycling. Talk with a physical therapist, personal trainer or primary care physician if you have specific questions and concerns.

Always consult with your primary care physician when it comes to medication, as treatment is highly individualized. Common medications that may help alleviate arthritis symptoms include NSAIDs like ibuprofen, OTC anti-inflammatory creams, corticosteroids and DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) designed to treat inflammatory forms like rheumatoid arthritis.

Alleviate pain, improve mobility and find full-body relaxation with massage therapy, warm baths and hydrotherapy, acupuncture, meditation and deep breathing. Herbal supplements such as turmeric and ginger can also help reduce inflammation, especially in combination with traditional medical treatments, diet and exercise.

Research is ongoing into the connection between weather and joint pain. Weather changes may have a noticeable effect on arthritis symptoms, specifically, elevated humidity and sudden changes or lowering of barometric pressure, which can irritate nerves in joints. Cold temperatures may also increase joint stiffness and discomfort, though evidence is conflicting.