Tips for self-management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Stay active

Exercise will strengthen the muscles that support your joints and ultimately give extra protection.  Our Occupational Therapists can give advice on ways to protect and support the joints and our physiotherapists can suggest exercises to also help with this. Swimming is an excellent way to exercise without putting too much strain on your joints but other forms of exercise such as walking and cycling can be beneficial too. It is important to strike a balance between rest and exercise so remember to listen to your body and pace yourself! Please see our exercise section in the "Staying well" part of our website for more advice and helpful links.

A healthy balanced diet

Being overweight can place extra burden on the joints so it is important to maintain a healthy balanced diet.

Anaemia makes it more difficult for oxygen to be carried around the body and is quite common in people with arthritis and it can also sometimes be a side-effect of the medications. Good dietary sources of iron are red meat, pulses and dark green vegetables.

Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can also help to protect your bones. If you have been prescribed calcium/vitamin D  or alendronic acid supplements it is important that you take these regularly.

Try to stop smoking

Smoking can worsen arthritis symptoms and weaken the effects of your arthritis medication. Rheumatoid arthritis can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease so quitting is one of the best things you can do. Visit the national Smokefree website at www.smokefree.nhs.uk or call your local Stop Smoking Service for advice.