Keeping Track

Life with Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition and symptoms, like pain and fatigue, fluctuate over time. Different treatments, as well as daily activities – like exercise, sleep and diet – also impact symptoms, making it hard for people to understand their disease.

Remembering symptoms and activities during medical appointments can also be challenging. For these reasons, tracking is beneficial.

“When we talk about tracking for people with arthritis, it means keeping a record of daily symptoms and activities that are important to them,” said Dr. Linda Li, a Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. “Regular tracking allows people to present a full picture to their health care providers, so they can better prescribe and recommend treatments.”

Want to track your symptoms and activities? Don’t know where to start? Episode 13 of the Arthritis Research Education Series covers research-backed tracking techniques to help people with different types of arthritis take control of their disease and daily life.