Managing Your Rheumatic Disease
If you’ve just been recently diagnosed with a rheumatic condition, you might feel anxious or overwhelmed. This is normal when things change unexpectedly.
The best way to handle these feelings is by knowing the facts. With the right treatment, you can manage your condition and still live a productive life.
Besides medications, making lifestyle changes is important. This includes getting enough exercise, rest, and eating well. It also means learning about your condition and taking steps to meet your own needs.
What Is a Rheumatic Disease?
Rheumatic diseases, like arthritis, are conditions that cause inflammation, pain in the joints, and difficulty with everyday tasks. These conditions can affect your bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Sometimes, they also affect internal organs.
What Can You Do? Make Your Medical Visit Count!
Make the most of your doctor’s visit by planning ahead and communicating clearly:
- Write down your concerns before your visit.
- Bring someone with you to listen and take notes.
- Answer your doctor’s questions honestly.
- Share if stress or discomfort is affecting your life.
- Ask for clear explanations of treatments, including how they work and how long they will last.
- Learn more about your condition and ask where to find reliable information.
- Ask about the cost and side effects of medications or treatments.
Find Help and Resource
Your care team can include several professionals, not just your doctor. Besides your rheumatologist, you might work with:
- Nurses
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Pharmacists
- Health educators
- Social workers
- Psychologists
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Nurse practitioners/physician assistants
- Nutritionists
Stay Active
Exercise can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and boost your mental health. It’s also great for overall strength and fitness. Choose activities that help improve fitness, like walking, swimming, biking, or dancing. You can do these with friends or alone. The important part is getting started and sticking to a routine. If the activity is intense, check with your doctor or therapist first.
Don’t Give Up!
While rheumatic diseases are chronic and may not go away, many people with these conditions live happy and fulfilling lives. By learning, communicating, and staying positive, you can adjust to the changes and keep moving forward.
Updated April 2025 by Meredith Hirsh, MBA, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.
This information provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.