Arthritis Insights

What does prehabilitation involve?  Prehabilitation is tailored to your individual needs and may include:  Exercise: Improving strength, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.  Nutrition: Eating well to support healing and maintain muscle mass. Taking dietary supplements if they are needed. To optimise nutrition for surgical recovery, focus on enough protein, enough calories, good hydration, and a varied diet in the...

Many young people with arthritis worry about how their condition might affect dating and relationships. Some feel self-conscious about visible symptoms, mobility aids or joint changes. Others worry about fatigue, pain or the unpredictability of flares impacting social plans.  There can also be pressure to appear carefree and independent when getting to know...

What are GLP-1 medications?  GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a natural gut hormone, called glucagon-like peptide, that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. They are now widely used for diabetes and obesity management and are increasingly being studied for their broader effects on metabolism and inflammation. Why are...

Opioids; Balancing relief and risk  For many people living with arthritis, pain can be persistent, unpredictable, and exhausting. When that pain escalates, it’s natural to look for relief and opioid medications to become part of the conversation.  They are a topic of ongoing debate but understanding the benefits and risks...

Using a soft exercise ball can help improve hand strength, maintain mobility, and support everyday tasks such as gripping, opening jars, or holding objects. These simple exercises are designed to gently challenge the muscles and joints of the hands while encouraging movement. Please note: If you have damage to...

If It Hurts to Move, How Can Exercise Help Osteoarthritis?  Mary is sitting in front of her GP. Her knee has been sore for the past few months. There wasn’t a specific injury or moment that caused it, but after spending time running around with her grandkids, the pain has gradually...

When we think about arthritis, we often focus on our joints, particularly the pain, stiffness, and inflammation it can cause. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that doesn’t get nearly as much attention: muscle health. And sitting quietly in the background is a key hormone that helps regulate...

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...