Everyone living with arthritis has a different experience. Healthcare providers offer the following methods of coping with the disease.

Control the Disease

A person with arthritis need to create a plan with their healthcare professional that includes:

• Understanding the treatment routine
• Doing new diet and exercise programs, if needed
• Learning relaxation techniques
• Monitoring of medication effects
• Getting regular check-ups

People who control their treatment feel less pain and spend less time having to visit their healthcare providers.

Diet

A person with gout likely needs to avoid certain foods that can raise the risk of gout flares. These include shellfish, organ meats, full-fat dairy, and alcohol. Weight loss will also improve management of gout. Consider a whole-food, plant-based diet to help manage symptoms.

Find Support Groups and Other Resources

• Steps people can take include:
• Finding support in the community or online.
• Involving family and friends.
• Sharing experiences and hear how others cope with their arthritis.
• Learning about arthritis self-management. These programs teach people about the disease and help them take charge of their own care. 

Other Therapies

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) may help people improve their  pain, fatigue, quality of life, and abilities.

Healthcare professionals often recommend glucosamine and chondroitin for people with arthritis. These supplements are building block of cartilage. Research findings are not entirely conclusive, but some studies have found:

• Reduced pain
• Less loss of space between joints
• Improved function

Use of curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, can reduce pain and use of pain relievers.

Last Updated April 2023