The Arthritis Newsletter

Summer 2025

Taking Steps to Thrive with Arthritis

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

2025 Summer NL_Taking Steps to Thrive with Arthritis V2

Thriving 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 bullets in a calendar, using the notes app on your phone, or wearing physical activity trackers.

Taking Steps to Thrive with Arthritis_Secondary Image

Tracking Tips

Start by tracking the following: medications, exercise, mood, stress levels, sleep, work hours and diet
Use a calendar, notebook, notes app on your phone, etc., to track everything.
Make it a habit: Choose a time of day that works best for you to write down your experiences from the past 24 hours.
Wear physical activity trackers for accountability.
Be consistent: in tracking, exercising, healthy eating, etc.
Bring your record to 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 also 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. Arthritis can upend a person’s life.

However, understanding one’s disease allows people to create a routine and live well with arthritis. When symptoms and activities are tracked over time, people can look back and see if medications are wearing off or whether too much stress, for example, is connected to how they feel or their ability to function.

Taking Steps to Thrive with Arthritis_Secondary Image 2

Routine Tips

Get regular, restful sleep
Maintain a healthy diet: Canada Food Guide
Exercise regularly: 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
Seek help for mental health struggles
Take medications as prescribed

“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.”

Answers in Research

Arthritis Research Canada’s scientists also conduct practical research to help people overcome the challenges they face in daily life due to arthritis.

Here are some examples of research-backed tools and resources:

Employment and arthritis: Making it Work^TM
Arthritis and insomnia: An online, cognitive behavioural therapy program designed for people living with arthritis
Exercise and arthritis: A tool to help people with strength training
Trying to decide if biologics are right for you? Try our Biologics Decision Aid.
My Info Library: An online collection of trustworthy resources to help people live well with arthritis and other chronic conditions.

Arthritis Research Canada is helping people manage their arthritis.

Discover our research on symptom tracking.

Learn More