Living with arthritis as a young adult can often feel isolating, especially when it comes to navigating movement, exercise and the expectations placed on your body. In this personal reflection, Hannah shares her experience with arthritis, and the role exercise has played in her journey. 
By sharing stories like these, we hope to help other young people feel less alone, while also encouraging and empowering finding ways to move your body in a way that works for you.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your experience with arthritis?
My journey with arthritis began in 2024, in my early 20s, when I started experiencing dermatitis-like symptoms along with pain in my hands, wrists, and feet. Initially, it was quite difficult to manage. I struggled to walk due to the pain, had difficulty even opening my hands, and my knuckles became swollen. After months of tests, scans, and medical appointments—and as my symptoms worsened over four months—I finally received a diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritis.
As a young adult, arthritis is something you typically associate with older age, so this was a challenging time for me. I had been actively going to the gym and dancing, and adjusting to these changes wasn’t easy. However, because there is a family history of this autoimmune disease, I was fortunate to have their support. I also received support through the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program, which made things easier. In addition, I was eventually able to find a medication that helped manage the pain.
What was exercise like for you before and after arthritis?
Before my symptoms appeared, I regularly went to the gym, went for runs, and danced; activities I gradually had to stop as they became difficult. However, once my symptoms were better managed, I slowly began transitioning back into physical activity through appointments with an exercise physiologist and by attending Pilates classes.
How did you approach exercise while managing your arthritis?
As I returned to exercise, I made sure to take things at my own pace and avoid overdoing it. I focused on low-impact activities and gradually worked on rebuilding my strength, which I had lost during the early stages of my journey with rheumatoid arthritis.
What was the biggest challenge, and how did you get through it?
My biggest challenge during this time was staying motivated to return to exercise-based activities. I worked through this with the support of my family, friends, and the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program. Additionally, I relied on my persistence and the understanding that it was about finding what worked best for me and learning how to adapt. This also meant getting back to doing the things I enjoyed, while being mindful of my limits and allowing myself to rest when needed.
What are you most proud of from the experience?
I am most proud of my persistence and drive to regain a sense of normalcy in my day-to-day life.
What would you say to other young adults with arthritis who want to try something new or get into exercise?
I would say to take it at your own pace, there’s nothing worse than going all in without considering what your body isn’t ready for. The most important thing is to keep trying and find what works best for you. Start with something simple, like a slow walk in a place you enjoy, and gradually build towards any goals you may have.
This personal story was contributed by Hannah, May 2026
