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The Arthritis Helpbook: A Tested Self-Management Program for Coping with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
The Arthritis Helpbook is the world's leading guide to coping with joint pain, and has been used by more than 600,000 readers over its twenty years in print. It succeeds because of its tested advice, its hundreds of useful hints, and its emphasis on self-management-helping people with arthritis and fibromyalgia to achieve their own health goals. Chapters allow readers to: Learn proven techniques to reduce pain and increase dexterity Build a calcium-rich diet and maintain a healthy weight Design an exercise program that matches their needs Find tips and gadgets that solve common problems, big and small Overcome fatigue, depression, and other troubling feelings associated with these health issues Learn about all available arthritis medications and surgeries
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 14, 2026
This is a well written, easy to read book covering all aspects of arthritis. It isn’t a specialist osteoarthritis book, so not every paragraph or chapter was relevant to me. I skim-read or skipped these bits.
There’s a line in the preface that reads: “if you are reading this book after the year 2015, the information is probably somewhat out of date.” This book was published in 2006, so even that was generous. As I worked through the relevant chapters, I found that yes, indeed, some of it contradicts current advice. Amazon are still selling brand new copies of this edition, so it’s still very much in circulation.
The concept of self-management is an excellent one, and one I wholeheartedly sign up to. It’s also the approach that Arthritis Action (the UK charity) follow with their members, and I found them back in November, well before I picked up this book. So a lot of the self-management ground here was already familiar, reinforced by other, more OA-specific reading along the way. I’ve still taken a couple of new experiments away to try: distraction, and self-massage. I’ve also folded the book’s P.A.R.T. framework (Prepare, Ask, Repeat, Take action) into how I prepare for GP and physio appointments.
Had I been in the US reading this when it first came out, it might have been a five star book. But I’m in the UK, it’s twenty years old, and some of the advice is now out of date, so three stars feels right.
There’s a line in the preface that reads: “if you are reading this book after the year 2015, the information is probably somewhat out of date.” This book was published in 2006, so even that was generous. As I worked through the relevant chapters, I found that yes, indeed, some of it contradicts current advice. Amazon are still selling brand new copies of this edition, so it’s still very much in circulation.
The concept of self-management is an excellent one, and one I wholeheartedly sign up to. It’s also the approach that Arthritis Action (the UK charity) follow with their members, and I found them back in November, well before I picked up this book. So a lot of the self-management ground here was already familiar, reinforced by other, more OA-specific reading along the way. I’ve still taken a couple of new experiments away to try: distraction, and self-massage. I’ve also folded the book’s P.A.R.T. framework (Prepare, Ask, Repeat, Take action) into how I prepare for GP and physio appointments.
Had I been in the US reading this when it first came out, it might have been a five star book. But I’m in the UK, it’s twenty years old, and some of the advice is now out of date, so three stars feels right.
June 11, 2019
Especially useful for newly diagnosed and those working through a self management program.
October 15, 2025
Good for help with chronic pain and illness management. Much depends on what we eat and exercise, good sleep. Clear, precise and well written. Useful.
June 18, 2013
I haven't been diagnosed yet, but there is a possibility. This was extremely informative and helpful. Lots of little tips and tricks to make life easier. The author's writing style makes it easy for the layman to follow and understand.
May 31, 2008
The best section of this book for me is the section of flexability exercises.
January 9, 2010
A great hand book for sufferers of arthritis. I would recommend it for those who suffer from this disease or their loved ones. Helpful hints regarding medication, exercise and diet.
April 24, 2013
Was going to copy so many pages I decided to buy it. Lots of good exercises for sore hand, arms, shoulders.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews