Living with a chronic condition involves enduring illness for prolonged periods. In the case of arthritis, however, it means having a serious disease for life. It’s a scary and overwhelming prospect.
In Canada, arthritis is a growing problem. More than six million Canadians currently live with over 100 different types of this incurable disease, which can strike at any age. Half of those people are younger than 65, and as many as 25,000 are children.
At Arthritis Research Canada, the largest clinical arthritis research organization in North America, scientists conduct patient-centred research to find answers and help people overcome challenges caused by this chronic condition.
Beyond Management
Living well with arthritis involves more than treating pain, fatigue and inflammation. According to Linda Li, a Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada, understanding how all areas of life – from diet and exercise to sleep quality, stress levels, medications and more – impact an individual’s arthritis is key.
“Tracking activities and symptoms is an excellent place to start,” Li said. “This practice gives people a rich picture of their disease, helps them communicate effectively with their doctors and ensures they receive tailored treatments.”
Managing arthritis can sometimes feel like a full-time job that comes with a high degree of uncertainty. Can I still exercise? Will some activities hurt my joints? Can processed foods trigger flares? How do I know when it’s time to try a different medication? Without tracking, it can be difficult to pinpoint specific causes of, or fluctuations in, arthritis symptoms.
Li emphasizes that keeping a record of activities and symptoms doesn’t need to feel like work or add to stress levels. It can be as simple as jotting points in a calendar, using the notes app on your phone, or wearing physical activity trackers.
She encourages people with arthritis to start by tracking medications, exercise, mood, stress levels, sleep, work hours, and diet and to bring their logs to all medical appointments.
Chronic Curve Balls
Arthritis can be frustrating because its symptoms are often invisible and fluctuate over time. Medications stop working, flares happen, and higher levels of inflammation increase the risk of life-threatening complications like heart attacks, strokes and blood clots.
Uncontrolled arthritis also interferes with daily life. One in five with rheumatoid arthritis leaves the workforce within five years of receiving a diagnosis. And almost half of working-age Canadians with osteoarthritis report not working or attending school.
Arthritis is most often diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 45 when people are in the prime of their working lives and the inability to work has a tremendous impact on a person’s financial, social and emotional well-being.
When symptoms and activities are tracked over time, people can look back and see if medications are wearing off or too much stress, for example, is connected to how they feel and their ability to function.
“Information is power, and for people with arthritis, the information is within themselves,” Li said. “Having a record can empower people to manage their disease, overall health and quality of life.”
To learn more about how Arthritis Research Canada is helping people manage their arthritis, visit arthritisresearch.ca/keepiing-track
