• Arthritis is Australia’s major cause of pain and disability.
• Nearly one in five Australians has arthritis.
• Most forms of arthritis result from the body reacting against its own joint tissues.
• The most common forms of arthritis in Australia are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus.
• 60% of people who suffer from arthritis are under 60, which means that many are potentially within the working population.
• The direct cost of arthritis to the Australian economy is about $23.9 billion a year.
• Up to two thirds of people who have arthritis say that the condition affects them emotionally. People with ongoing pain are four times more likely to experience depression or anxiety than people without pain. 
• The emotional stresses associated with arthritis may include:
  • Fear about the impact arthritis will have on quality of life and a person’s future prospects;
  • Strain on relationships with friends, family and partners because of the pain and tiredness associated with arthritis; and
  • A loss of self esteem, resulting from reduced independence and increased difficulty working, socialising and enjoying hobbies.
• As if being depressed, anxious and in pain isn’t bad enough, anxiety and depression can actually make arthritis harder to manage because they may reduce a person’s commitment to treatment plans including exercise, medication, healthy eating and keeping appointments with medical practitioners. If a person with arthritis often feels hopeless, has little motivation to look after themselves or worries constantly, they may benefit from seeing a mental health professional, or talking to a GP about their concerns.
• Fatigue can be a big problem for people with arthritis, due to the physical and mental demands of living with pain. Learning constructive ways of dealing with fatigue – breaking jobs into smaller tasks, resting frequently, avoiding strain on joints and learning how to sleep well – can make a real difference in how someone feels about and manages their illness.
• In the workplace, educating managers, employers, supervisors and coworkers about arthritis can make it much easier for individuals to manage their health condition. When others in the workplace understand the health condition, they are more likely to be accommodating and empathetic and this may, in turn, reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in the person with arthritis.
• Tips for managing the physical aspects of arthritis in the workplace include:
  • Taking short but regular and frequent breaks;
  • Getting away from the desk – or other sedentary positions – regularly;
  • Planning your workload to incorporate these breaks – eg. alternating between computer work and filing or photocopying or going to the bank;
  • Using a gentle exercise method like tai chi throughout the work day.
• Keeping active is very important. Arthritis Australia says: “Move it or lose it!” Individuals with arthritis often significantly reduce their activities because they are afraid of doing further damage to their joints. However, improvements to flexibility, strength and fitness usually lead to a decrease in symptoms.
• Exercise can go a long way in relieving pain and preventing problems associated with arthritis such as joint stiffness, muscle weakness, joint deformity, stress, depression and dependence upon others. Certain kinds of exercise may be more beneficial (and less painful) than others. Particularly helpful exercises for people with arthritis include:
  • Water exercise, for example hydrotherapy, or other activities with an aquatic physio therapist;
  • Cycling;
  • Dancing;
  • Yoga, pilates and tai chi; and
  • Strength training. 
• It is important to discuss exercise plans with a doctor or physiotherapist before embarking on a fitness program. The best way to proceed is to start slowly and gradually increase activity levels, as strength and fitness increase.
• No diet has been proven by research to cure or cause arthritis (with the exception of gout, which is diet related). Be very cautious of special diets or supplements that claim to be a miracle cure.
• The best diet for arthritis is a healthy, balanced one to maintain general health and prevent other medical problems developing.
• Foods rich in omega-3 fats such as sardines, salmon, walnuts, linseeds or flaxseeds and canola oil can reduce inflammation, which may help ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, although medications are more effective.
• Being overweight places extra strain on joints, particularly the knees, hips and lower back and leads to an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.

The facts in this article were drawn from the Information Sheets on the Arthritis Australia website, where you can find more detail about different forms of arthritis and different treatment methods.