Young Adult Hub
Visit Hub
The Government’s NHS 10-Year Plan, published this summer, set out ambitions for better patient care, more focus on prevention, and greater recognition of the role charities like Arthritis Action play in supporting people’s health.
This World Arthritis Day, we’re building on that vision by highlighting how self-management can make a positive difference to life with arthritis.
We’re sharing advice from our team of experts alongside personal stories from people living with arthritis who have put these ideas into practice. Together, they show how small, practical steps can improve health and wellbeing.
Discover more about self-management and how it could help you.
Eating a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet can play a role in managing arthritis symptoms. Simple changes to eating habits can support energy levels, weight management and joint health.
Find more detailed support and a number of tasty, healthy recipes in our Diet and Arthritis section.
Being physically active can play an important role in managing arthritis symptoms. Movement can help with joint pain, stiffness, mobility and mood, and even small amounts of activity can make a difference.
Find more detailed guidance and exercise resources in our Exercise and Arthritis section.
Planning and pacing daily activities can help people manage fatigue, pain and energy levels when living with arthritis. Trying different techniques, like breaking tasks into smaller steps, alternating activity with rest, and prioritising what needs to be done, can make everyday life feel more manageable.
Find more tips and practical tools in our Mental Health and Wellbeing section.
Sleep can be affected by arthritis pain, medication, stress or low mood. Poor sleep can then make pain and fatigue feel worse, so finding ways to improve rest can help with day-to-day management.
Find more sleep support in our Mental Health and Wellbeing section.
Living with arthritis can affect mental wellbeing, especially when pain, fatigue or worries about the future build up over time. Feelings like anxiety, frustration or isolation are common, and finding ways to support your emotional health can be an important part of self-management.
Find more guidance and useful resources in our Mental Wellbeing and Arthritis section.
Self-management looks different for everyone, and hearing other people’s experiences can help you explore what might work for you.
Podcast: Why Movement Matters and How to Get Going
(Season 4, Episode 9) In this episode, Marc speaks with Physiotherapist and Researcher Mercy Joy about the role of movement in managing arthritis. They talk about how activity can support both physical and mental health, common fears around getting started, and practical ways to build movement into daily life.
Podcast: You Have Arthritis, So What’s Next?
(Season 2, Episode 1) Marc, Terry and Leah chat about getting a diagnosis, accessing therapies, speaking to your GP and finding the right services.
Listen now or explore more podcast episodes.
Everyone’s experience of arthritis is different, and real stories can help people feel less alone. Read more member stories.
“So I suppose if I was to give anyone just diagnosed with arthritis advice, it would be to look at slimming down and getting more exercise – exercise – exercise – and of course join Arthritis Action for their support and knowledge.” Read John’s story.
“So I suppose if I was to give anyone just diagnosed with arthritis advice, it would be to look at slimming down and getting more exercise – exercise – exercise – and of course join Arthritis Action for their support and knowledge.”
Read John’s story.
“Have I got osteoarthritis sussed, no course I haven’t, just like everyone else I have bad days. But I use my “toolbox” to find something that will help. Life may be different with arthritis, but it can still be interesting, exciting, fulfilling and yes wonderful.” Read Lorraine’s story.
“Have I got osteoarthritis sussed, no course I haven’t, just like everyone else I have bad days. But I use my “toolbox” to find something that will help. Life may be different with arthritis, but it can still be interesting, exciting, fulfilling and yes wonderful.”
Read Lorraine’s story.
“It can feel really frustrating when you live with joint pain like I do, but it’s so important to stay positive and think of the long term journey. It does take time, but something will come up to improve things. In the meantime, you can always focus on the things you can control, like staying fit and healthy, and reducing whatever’s causing you stress – for me, it was my job.” Read Dipesh’s story.
“It can feel really frustrating when you live with joint pain like I do, but it’s so important to stay positive and think of the long term journey. It does take time, but something will come up to improve things. In the meantime, you can always focus on the things you can control, like staying fit and healthy, and reducing whatever’s causing you stress – for me, it was my job.”
Read Dipesh’s story.
“The physiotherapy was a great help to me, and really helped relieve the pain I was feeling. Nowadays I make sure to do lots of Pilates and short exercises every day, to strengthen the muscles supporting my joints.” Read Paula’s story.
“The physiotherapy was a great help to me, and really helped relieve the pain I was feeling. Nowadays I make sure to do lots of Pilates and short exercises every day, to strengthen the muscles supporting my joints.”
Read Paula’s story.
If you’d like to explore self-management further, our Resource Centre and Self-Management Videos offer practical guidance on topics like movement, pain, nutrition and emotional wellbeing.
Show your support for our work and help us reach more people with arthritis, by making a donation:
