Many people who experience joint pain as they get older think it’s a normal part of aging. It’s not, so don’t dismiss it. Joint pain can worsen when left untreated and lead to mobility issues. If you’re experiencing joint pain, it’s time to take control and take action. The Arthritis Society can help you do just that.
Understand your risk of developing arthritis
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing arthritis, such as a previous injury to a joint, smoking or not exercising regularly. To learn if you’re at an increased risk, check out the Arthritis Society’s risk assessment tool at arthritis.ca/riskassessment.
Check your symptoms
Walk yourself through the Arthritis Society’s comprehensive symptom checker at arthritis.ca/symptomchecker to see if what you’re experiencing might be arthritis, and if so, what kind. You can print your results so you have them handy at a medical appointment.
Manage pain
Learning to manage a new diagnosis can be overwhelming, but the Arthritis Society’s website, arthritis.ca, includes a wealth of information to help you take control. For example, a patient journal portal for several different kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, walks you through pre-diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The website also includes helpful resources such as exercise videos, recipes and lifestyle advice.
Stay informed
The Arthritis Society hosts monthly Arthritis Talks webinars featuring experts sharing information and answering questions on topics such as complementary therapies, medical cannabis, joint replacements, assistive devices, and how to get active again to manage your pain. You can also sign up for flourish, the Arthritis Society’s monthly lifestyle newsletter.
Get help
The Arthritis Society’s Arthritis Line can help if you have specific questions. Accessible via email or telephone, the Arthritis Line is staffed by trained volunteers ready to answer — or find the answers to — questions you might have. Call the Arthritis Line at 1-800-321-1433 and press “2” or email [email protected].
Arthritis can be a painful and frustrating journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Armed with the right information and good support, you can get back to living the best life possible.
