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Your life

The extent to which RA affects your daily activities depends partly on your coping strategies.

Talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional about strategies for coping. Some suggestions include:

  • Take control: With your healthcare team, make a plan for managing your RA. 
  • Know your limits: Keep in mind that RA can make you tired and your muscles weak. Resting or taking a short nap that doesn't interfere with nighttime sleep may help.
  • Connect with others: 
    • Your family and friends may be worried about you but might not feel comfortable asking you about your pain. Talking to a close friend or family member may help when you are overwhelmed. 
    • Consider a support group in your community or online – sometimes talking to people who have the same condition can help.
  • Take time for yourself

Nutrition

HOW SHOULD I EAT TO HELP MY ARTHRITIS?

A first step is to follow the advice found in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide at canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-food-guides.html

Eating the right amounts and types of foods will help you: 

  • Meet your daily needs for vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
  • Give you the energy for work and recreational activities
  • Reduce your risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and osteoporosis

Certain foods are particularly recommended for people with arthritis:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (found in cold water fish like salmon or trout and nuts and seeds)
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly those containing vitamin C

Sexual health

Arthritis can have a major impact on sex and intimacy. 

Although people with arthritis commonly experience frustration about their sex life, they may find it difficult to discuss sexual problems with a doctor or even their partner.

It’s important to remember that arthritis does not cause a loss of sex drive. However, arthritis presents certain limitations, so new approaches may be needed.

Checklist for your sex life:

  • Accept change – yes, arthritis is a chronic condition; however, once you have accepted arthritis as part of your life, managing it is that much easier.
  • Communicate openly – some people find that talking with their partner about sex is difficult, so before talking, it may help to set your thoughts down on paper (e.g., questions like: Which physical symptoms of arthritis interfere with your sex life?).
  • Tell your partner what feels good and what does not.
  • Plan your “dates” in advance – choose a time when you are feeling your best.

Heart health

Arthritis and heart disease often occur together. 

A study has shown that arthritis affects 57% of adults with heart disease. 

  • For people with RA, their RA is now known to be a separate risk factor for heart disease. 
  • Research has shown that 25% of people with both heart disease and arthritis are not physically active. Exercise and a healthy diet are recommended for people with arthritis and heart disease.

Talk to your doctor about your risk for heart disease.

Dental health

People with arthritis may find it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. Ability to hold a toothbrush and use dental floss may be a challenge due to arthritis in the hands.

Lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to an accumulation of plaque (a colourless, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth and causes tooth decay), which increases the risk of gum disease and cavities.

Recommendations on managing oral hygiene for people with arthritis:

  • Use an electric toothbrush
  • Try enlarging the handle of the toothbrush with a sponge, several layers of aluminum foil, or a bicycle handle grip
  • Try a dental floss holder
  • Try dental tape instead of dental floss

Exercise

EXERCISE FOR BETTER MOBILITY

Generally, people with arthritis can exercise safely without doing damage to their joints. However, know your limits! Stronger muscles can help protect the joints.

RECOMMENDED EXERCISES AND ACTIVITIES

Activities that use large muscles, such as those in your arms and legs, are the most important part of any exercise program. Healthcare providers often recommend:

  • Exercise in water/swimming
  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Dancing
Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Try to exercise for a total of at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week.
Regular exercise is the key to success. Several short exercise sessions rather than a longer one can work (e.g., three 10-minute sessions=one 30-minute session).