We know that osteoarthritis effects 8.5 million people in the UK. We also know ways that can help manage your symptoms.
The two main ingredients to managing arthritis are:
- increasing activity
- increasing knowledge
Learn about osteoarthritis
See links below for more information on these topics.
Versus Arthritis is a charity that is committed to improving the quality of life for those living with arthritis. They offer a large range of resources including a helpline: 0800 5200 530
Getting help with arthritis
Use the options below to decide what is your main priority.
If you need further help deciding what meets your needs, please:
- discuss with a healthcare professional
- use our physical activity planner
“I can do this for myself”
If you feel able to manage your condition, there are lots of resources to choose from to help you find a healthy way forward.
Movement, activity and exercise:
- Keeping active (NHS Inform): information on the health benefits of exercise and ideas on how to keep active
- Physical activity: NHS Ayrshire & Arran information on being physically active
- Exercising at home (Versus Arthritis): ‘Let’s Move with Leon’, a 12 week programme of 30-minute movement sessions
Help to manage your weight:
- 12 week weight management programme (NHS Inform)
- Weight Management service: NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Adult Weight Management service
“I need help and support”
If you’re unsure where to start or need help with motivation, these resources are here to help.
- Our physical activity planner helps you to decide what exercise is right for you.
- See our section on weight management for help with managing your weight.
- View our Pain Management Service section and Health and Wellbeing Services for information on services available to help you.
“I need specialist services”
These services are for those who are struggling to cope, or needing more specialist advice.
- Physiotherapy services are best placed for those with complex problems that require more supervision to exercise or to manage their symptoms. You can discuss this option with a healthcare professional.
- Orthopaedics (Versus Arthritis): If your osteoarthritis pain and function is severely affecting your life, you might want to consider a joint replacement. If you feel that this is the case, please discuss with a health professional to see if referral is appropriate.