Lifestyle Changes
Keeping to a healthy weight is particularly important if you have inflammatory arthritis because of the extra strain it puts on your joints.
The best approach to food for people with inflammatory arthritis – or anyone else – is a well-balanced diet.
Talk to your doctor about checking your weight and what support is available if you need to lose weight.
Exercise
Many people with inflammatory arthritis find water-based activities good for them as the water supports the joints. Aqua-aerobic classes and swimming are great all-round forms of exercise. If you can't swim – it's never too late to start classes!
Yoga, Pilates, cycling and walking are also good for people with inflammatory arthritis. Make sure that you take things slow to begin with, allowing yourself to build up stamina – the key is everything in moderation.
Exercise has so many benefits and can help to improve your sleep, help to reduce pain, stiffness and anxiety, it can help speed up your recovery from flare-ups. Exercise is also one of the main ways that you can help keep at a healthy weight.
Your doctor will be able to offer you exercise advice to help you get moving.
Stopping smoking
Smoking can make your inflammatory arthritis worse, so it is recommended that you stop. Your doctor will be able to offer you advice on the best way for you to stop smoking and put you in touch with local support services to help you to quit.
The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have any concerns about your health or medicine, you should consult your healthcare specialist or general practitioner.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly in the UK via the Yellow Card Scheme website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or via the the MHRA Yellow Card App in the Google Play or Apple App Store. In Ireland please report via the HPRA at https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/about-us/report-an-issue.
You can also report adverse events to UCB at UCBCares.UK@ucb.com or UCBCares.IE@ucb.com.
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