Arthritis Insights

Q: It’s a difficult topic to talk about, but my RA can get in the way of intimacy with my partner. I can be extremely fatigued, often not be “in the mood”, can find it hard to be flexible, and sometimes I get genital dryness. What, if anything, can...

An inflamed, hot or painful joint needs rest, but too little movement over longer periods can cause muscle weakness, pain and stiffness. It’s important to find the right balance of rest and exercise. Here’s some information to help you find your balance. When you have pain it can be...

Learn how certain lifestyle behaviours can impact your arthritis and heart health. Smoking Smoking is a main risk factor for arthritis, making up around 20% of the risks. Research has shown that current smokers had more pain and were more likely to have cartilage loss and joint damage than...

Q: I have arthritis in my spine. Other than pain, I can often feel stiff and have trouble bending down to the floor from a standing position or taking a deep breath. Do you know any good exercises to help with my stiffness? A: Thank you for your question,...

Following an anti-inflammatory diet will not cure arthritis, however for many people it is an effective way of controlling symptoms, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of developing other health problems.  Recent studies have also found that a diet high in ultra-processed food (one of the things...

Whether we do it because we like it – or because we have to – housework and yard work can cause soreness, stiffness, and pain to flare up, leaving us wondering why or if we should engage in such physical activity again. Physical activity is good for us, even...

Learn how having arthritis can affect heart health and what you can do to protect yourself. Introduction Arthritis may increase your risk of developing heart disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Gout, Lupus, Scleroderma, Sjögren’s Syndrome and Psoriatic Arthritis are particularly significant risk factors for heart disease. These can include heart...

Pregnancy is a transformative journey that brings about lots of physical and emotional changes. For people with arthritis, this journey might require a bit more planning and attention, as managing arthritis symptoms while nurturing a growing life becomes a delicate balancing act. In this article, we will explore arthritis...