Discover how tracking symptoms, such as pain, can help people with arthritis identify vital information to share with healthcare providers to improve treatment.
For over 6 million Canadians living with arthritis, pain can be a constant and unpredictable part of daily life. Managing this disease is often a challenging full-time job. For many, pain can affect not only their physical health but also their emotional well-being. Tracking is a simple tool that can provide significant benefits.
Scientists at Arthritis Research Canada have conducted research that found that tracking pain helps people with arthritis to see patterns they might otherwise miss. For example, they can identify how activities like walking, exercising, or even resting affect their pain. It becomes easier to connect symptoms with triggers, whether they involve physical exertion, stress, or even changes in diet. This knowledge can help people make important decisions about their daily routines.
Better Communication with Healthcare Providers
Tracking involves recording the severity of pain and factors like fatigue and mood. By noting these symptoms regularly, people can gain insight into whether their arthritis is getting better or worse and what may be contributing to their flare-ups.
One of the most significant advantages of tracking is improving communication with health care providers. Doctors are better equipped to tailor treatments when people attend appointments with detailed records of their symptoms.
“Information is power, and for people with arthritis, the information is within themselves,” said Arthritis Research Canada’s Senior Scientist, Dr. Linda Li. “Being able to have everything recorded and see the full picture is really useful in terms of managing a person’s disease and overall health.”
The Importance of Technology for Tracking
Technology can play a crucial role in this process. With the widespread use of smartphones and wearable devices, mobile apps can be used to track symptoms quickly and conveniently. These tools often provide reminders, ensuring regular use and updates.
Wearable devices can automatically track physical activities and other metrics, providing more detailed insights into how movement and rest impact arthritis pain.
In a research study conducted by Arthritis Research Canada that involved people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, those who used apps and wearable devices to monitor their pain improved their ability to self-manage their disease and developed healthier habits.
Tracking gives people living with arthritis a sense of control over their disease. By understanding their symptom patterns and working closely with healthcare providers, they can actively manage their health and improve their quality of life.
To learn more about the benefits of tracking symptoms for people with arthritis, click here.
