Managing Multiple Types of Arthritis
March, 2021
It is not uncommon for someone living with arthritis to be diagnosed with more than one arthritic condition.
While treatments for each type of arthritis can vary, there are ways you can help to manage your arthritis no matter the type of
arthritis you have.
Assemble your healthcare team
Your healthcare team is important in helping you look after your arthritis and your health. Everyone's healthcare team will be different
and may include both doctors and specialists. Your doctors and specialists will advise on the best treatment options for your individual
circumstances.
The best place to start is with your GP, who can then help refer you to other specialists. See the Working
with your healthcare team information sheet.
Learn about your condition and play an active role in your treatment
Learn about your condition, available treatment options and the ways you can help to manage your condition.
Not all information you read or hear about is trustworthy so always talk to your doctor or healthcare team about treatments you are
thinking about trying.
Order your free arthritis information
pack here.
Make positive choices
An unhealthy diet, smoking and too much alcohol can all increase our risk of arthritis. No diet or food can completely prevent or cure
arthritis, but eating a healthy, balanced diet helps us manage our weight, and our health and wellbeing. Smoking and alcohol intake can
place unneeded stress on our body, and are best avoided. Find more information in our Arthritis Insights articles.
Keep Active
Keeping active helps make sure the parts that support our joints (muscles, ligaments and tendons) stay healthy and strong. It's also great
for our health and wellbeing. A mix of exercises for staying flexible, strong, and fit can help manage arthritis. Always check with your
Doctor before starting anything new. Find more information and tips on exercising and arthritis in our Arthritis
Insights.
Protect Your Joints
Protect your joints by looking for ways to keep them free from too much stress or strain. Some ways to do this include planning and pacing
out activities to avoid too much load on your joints. Another way is to use the strongest and largest muscles to do a job. For more
information, view our range of articles on protecting your joints.
Learn ways to manage symptoms
Find ways that work well for you for managing symptoms of your arthritis or related conditions (like Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma). This
could include ways of dealing or coping with pain, managing fatigue, looking after your skin, protecting yourself from the sun, cold or
temperature changes. View our range of information sheets
for more information.
Acknowledge your feelings and seek support
As there is currently no cure for arthritis, it is natural to feel scared, frustrated, sad and sometimes angry. Be aware of these feelings
and get help if they start affecting your daily life. For more information view Arthritis
and emotional wellbeing information sheet,
and chronic disease and mental health.
More Information and Support
Order your free Arthritis Information Pack
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Register for our online exercise program, Arthritis Moves!
Register for Arthritis Assist to speak one-on-one with someone else living with arthritis.
Join one of our online support groups to connect with other Australians living with arthritis.
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