Arthritis

Managing Your Arthritis

You have been diagnosed with arthritis, but where to next? 

Your healthcare team

Your healthcare team is made up of a number of individuals – you, your health care professionals, and your family, friends and other supportive community groups.

You are at the centre of your healthcare team, because you make the final decisions about your health care.

Your healthcare team includes your general practitioner (GP). You may have also already seen a rheumatologist (a doctor who specialises in arthritis). You might also see other specialists or allied health professionals (for example, a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or dietitian) who can help with different areas of looking after your arthritis. 

Your doctors and health professionals have the knowledge and experience to help you make informed decisions.

Your family and friends may be able to support you by talking to you about the decisions that you make.

Getting the most from your healthcare visits

To get the most out of any visit with a doctor or a health professional, it helps to:

  • Be prepared with your x-rays, scans, and other records you’ve kept, such as a pain diary.
  • Consider taking a support person with you, so that you have someone else to hear the information you are given and remind you later.
  • Take notes about any important information (or get your support person to do it for you).
  • Ask questions if you don’t understand something, or need more information.
  • Ask your doctor or health professional about where you can get more information. They will often know of organisations, support groups and places where you can learn more about your condition.


Learn about your condition


Your doctor and health professionals will be a great start to learning about your arthritis. This is also where we can help!

 

Your treatment plan

By learning about your arthritis, and working with your healthcare team, you can determine the best treatment options for you and come up with a treatment plan. A treatment plan is a combination of treatments that help you to manage your arthritis.

Your treatment plan may include:
  • Medicines
  • Physical therapies (like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry)
  • Exercise
  • Healthy eating
  • Pain management techniques
  • Emotional and social support
  • Finding the balance between activity and rest that works for you

As life changes, your treatment plan may also change from time to time. Many people find that having a treatment plan is reassuring, and keeps them ‘on track’ during the ups and downs of living with arthritis.

Keep your treatment on track

MyJointPain - an online tool for managing osteoarthritis
My Joint Pain is an online resource for supporting people with osteoarthritis by providing the tools to help you manage and track joint pain.

How does MyJointPain work?

1. Answer questions about your situation.

2. Receive a summary of your risk of hip or knee osteoarthritis, and your management options.

3. Receive regular updates and ongoing support to keep you on track with managing your joint pain.

MyJoint Pain was developed by Arthritis Australia and Bupa Health Foundation, and has been endorsed by scientific experts. The website and online tools are based on the combined knowledge of a committee of medical and scientific experts in key areas of surgical, scientific, allied health, medical, and consumer advocacy.

MyRA - an online too for managing rheumatoid arthritis
My BackPain - an online tool for managing back pain


Information and Support for Arthritis


Learn more about the types of arthritis and the ways it can be managed with our Info Sheets and Booklets


Seek support from others living with arthritis through our online support groups or Arthritis Assist telephone service. 


Sign up to our e-news to receive regular information about arthritis and the ways we can manage it. 


Call our free infoline on 1800 011 041 to speak with a member of our health team. 

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