Embracing lifestyle changes to better manage arthritis
Arthritis, with its multifaceted impact on individuals, often leads individuals to look for relief beyond conventional medication. While pharmaceutical interventions play a crucial role, limited awareness persists regarding the transformative potential of lifestyle modifications in managing arthritis pain and enhancing overall well-being. In this segment, we delve into the influence of lifestyle choices, spanning exercise, diet, and stress management, in managing arthritis symptoms and optimising quality of life.

Unlocking the power of lifestyle modifications
Studies highlight the pivotal role of lifestyle interventions in alleviating arthritis symptoms and bolstering joint health.^1,2,3

	Incorporating tailored exercise routines not only enhances flexibility and strength but also mitigates pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
	Adopting a nutrient-dense diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can decrease disease activity and promote joint resilience.
	Prioritising stress management techniques, including mindfulness practices and relaxation therapies, equips individuals with coping mechanisms to navigate the emotional toll of chronic pain.

Collaborative care for personalised solutions

• Physiotherapists play a pivotal role in crafting customised exercise regimens tailored to individual needs, ensuring optimal outcomes while mitigating the risk of worsening joint symptoms.
• Dietitians offer invaluable guidance in formulating dietary strategies that align with personal preferences and dietary restrictions, fostering sustainable habits conducive to long-term joint health.
• Psychologists specialising in cognitive-behavioural techniques provide vital support in cultivating resilience and coping skills, empowering individuals to tackle the psychosocial challenges associated with chronic pain.

Navigating resources and support networks
Navigating the landscape of lifestyle modifications requires access to a diverse array of resources and support networks. Health and wellness companies offer innovative solutions, ranging from wearable fitness trackers to digital platforms facilitating personalised management.⁵ Furthermore, arthritis support groups serve as hubs for peer support, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences among individuals navigating similar challenges.

DID YOU KNOW?
“Tailoring movement and rest balances depends on factors like pain, tolerance, preference, and adherence. Physiotherapists may recommend initial limb offloading for acute pain, gradually transitioning to weight-bearing. Low-impact activities such as pool exercises and cycling are beneficial for those with difficulty bearing weight. Walking maintains muscle and bone health, while tai chi enhances balance and movement control, aiding arthritis management and reducing fall risks.”

Kellyn Lee
Senior Physiotherapist
City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy

Empowering individuals, transforming lives
Empowering individuals to embrace lifestyle modifications represents a paradigm shift in arthritis management, going beyond pharmacological interventions to address the holistic needs of patients. By harnessing the collective expertise of healthcare professionals, leveraging innovative technologies, and fostering a culture of collaboration, we can unlock the transformative potential of lifestyle prescriptions in alleviating arthritis pain.

References

1. Sattler L, Kan A, Hing W, Vertullo C. The addition of structured lifestyle modifications to a traditional exercise program for the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2023;68:102858.
2. Healthy Living. Arthritis Foundation. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/healthy-living.
3. 5 Ways to manage Arthritis. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/management.htm.
4. Hartford W, Backman CL, Li LC, et al. Networks of Care: A Social Network Perspective of Distributed Multidisciplinary Care for People With Inflammatory Arthritis. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2022;4(1):40-56.
5. Li C, Huang J, Wu H, et al. Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis With a Digital Health Application: A Multicenter, Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial [published correction appears in JAMA Netw Open. 2023 May 1;6(5):e2316007]. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(4):e238343.