Arthritis apps
Arthritis apps
- Arthritis apps can help you improve self-management of your condition by helping you keep track of your symptoms, triggers and medicines.
- Find out more about arthritis apps reviewed by Healthify.
Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Read more about arthritis.
Arthritis apps have the potential to help you manage your condition better. They can help you keep track your symptoms and triggers and monitor or set reminders for your medicines. However, it's important not to rely on the app for a diagnosis. Here are some tips on how to use arthritis apps safely.
How to use arthritis apps safely
Do (✔)
- Always use arthritis apps under the supervision of a healthcare provider so they can guide you on whether the app is suitable for your needs and can direct you to which exercises are appropriate for your condition.
- Use an app to keep track of your symptoms as part of your management plan. Use graphs and reporting for a discussion with your healthcare provider.
- Be careful when reading information on discussion boards or group chat rooms. Some apps have interactive features where users can share their experiences. Be cautious because in most cases these aren't monitored by a health professional so the advice or suggestions may not be safe or effective.
- Know when to seek help.
Don’t (✘)
- Don't rely on apps to make a diagnosis of your condition.
- Don't perform exercises without first seeking medical and professional diagnosis and instruction on which exercises in which app to use.
- Don't make changes to your medicines based on recommendations from the app.
Before choosing an app, think about how it will benefit you and what you want it to be able to do.
- An app will only be helpful if you use it, so it needs to be something you like using and find easy to use.
- If you find the app difficult to use, or you don't like the imagery or look of it, or the language it uses, you may want to find another one that suits you better.
- For more guidance on how to choose health apps, see how to choose a health app.
- It's important to remember that apps don’t replace professional help or your doctor’s advice.
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Grainger R, Townsley H, White B, et al. Apps for people with rheumatoid arthritis to monitor their disease activity – a review of apps for best practice and quality(external link) JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017;5(2):e7.
Majeed-Ariss R, Baildam E, Campbell M, et al. Apps and adolescents – a systematic review of adolescents' use of mobile phone and tablet apps that support personal management of their chronic or long-term physical conditions(external link) J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(12):e287.
Nishiguchi S, Ito H, Yamada M, Yoshitomi H, et al. Self-assessment tool of disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis by using a smartphone application(external link) Telemed J E Health. 2014;20(3):235-40.
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Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly. |
Factsheets – using health apps safely
How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
