Living With Arthritis? Ways to Improve Quality of Life—Including Emerging Treatment Options

Living With Arthritis

Arthritis affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another joint condition, symptoms can interfere with daily activities — but many people find relief through a combination of lifestyle changes and medical care.

9 Evidence-Based Ways to Improve Quality of Life While Living With Arthritis

1. Stay Active With Low-Impact Exercise

Regular movement helps keep joints flexible and muscles strong. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, or stretching are often better tolerated than high-impact exercise.

Tip: Start with short sessions (10–15 minutes) and gradually increase as tolerated.

2. Balance Activity With Rest

Overexertion can trigger flare-ups. When joints feel swollen or painful:

• Elevate the joint
• Use heat for stiffness
• Use ice after activity for soreness

Listening to your body helps prevent worsening symptoms.

3. Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Nutrition can influence inflammation. Foods commonly recommended include:

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
• Leafy greens
• Berries
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains

Limiting processed foods, excess sugar, and saturated fats may help reduce inflammation.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight increases stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Even modest weight loss may help reduce pain and slow progression in some forms of arthritis.

5. Discuss Supplements Carefully

Some people explore supplements such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, turmeric, or topical capsaicin. These should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and avoid interactions.

6. Use Assistive Devices When Helpful

Braces, canes, shoe inserts, and ergonomic tools can reduce joint strain and support independence during daily activities.

7. Avoid Smoking

Smoking can worsen inflammation, slow healing, and reduce the effectiveness of some arthritis treatments. Quitting may improve long-term joint and overall health.

8. Explore Personalized Medical Treatments

Arthritis care is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, treatment plans may include:

• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Joint injections
• Lifestyle modifications

9. Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Arthritis (Select Patients)

For some patients with chronic, treatment-resistant inflammatory arthritis, low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) may be considered as an option to help reduce inflammation and pain.

• LDRT uses very low doses of radiation, significantly lower than cancer treatment doses
• It is typically considered only after conservative treatments have not provided relief
• This therapy is offered at Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center as part of a carefully evaluated, individualized care plan

LDRT is not appropriate for everyone and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a specialized care team.

When to See a Doctor About Arthritis

You should seek medical evaluation if:

• Joint pain lasts longer than a few weeks
• Stiffness limits daily activities
• Swelling or warmth persists
• Over-the-counter treatments are no longer effective

Early evaluation can help preserve joint function and improve quality of life.

How BASS Medical Group Can Help

BASS Medical Group offers comprehensive arthritis care across the Bay Area — from primary care and specialty referrals to advanced treatment options coordinated with Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center.

Our goal is to help you manage pain, maintain mobility, and make informed decisions about your care.

To request an appointment, visit bassmedicalgroup.com or contact your local BASS office.