Arthritis and the Military
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Arthritis Foundation has expanded its support to the more than 1 in 3 military and veteran service members battling doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Find information, tips and resources that can help you take control of arthritis symptoms and challenges.
Early Onset OA
Military and veteran service members have high rates of osteoarthritis. Learn why and what’s being done about it.
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Benefits of Mind-Body Therapies
Learn how these techniques can help military members find relief from mental and physical trauma.
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Connect With Others
Connect with other military and veteran service members living with arthritis. Join information sessions to improve pain management and quality of life, and participate in fun group activities.
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Find Your Workout
Physical activity is the best medicine for arthritis pain as well as mental health. If arthritis interferes with your normal workout, check out these videos for joint-friendly modifications.
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Solutions for Sleeplessness
Chances are you struggle with insomnia, especially if you have arthritis pain. Learn what a sleep specialist who works with military and veteran service members recommends for better sleep and pain.
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Manage Your Pain
Arthritis pain interferes with daily life in countless ways, preventing people from doing routine tasks and forcing many to give up the things they love. See ways to help control your pain.
Learn MoreImpact of Arthritis
military veterans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis
cause of disability in the U.S. is arthritis
leading cause of medical discharge from the military
Arthritis and the Military Series
Webinar: The Mental Health-Pain Connection
Learn how mental health can impact chronic pain, specific to your experiences as a military service member or veteran. Get advice to improve emotional well-being and pain from renowned psychologist, Dr. Terry Keane, Director of the National Center for PTSD, and a panel of retired military members who live with arthritis.
Arthritis and the Military
Webinar: Getting the Best Possible Care
A panel, including veterans and experts in rheumatology, complementary and physical therapy, offers solutions to various care challenges for active and retired military service members and veterans. Learn how to navigate health care access, treatment plans, pain relief options and more.
Easing Anxiety
Using the Breath to Stress Less
Personal trainer and combat veteran, Dan Hill, discusses how to intentionally use the breath to dial down stress and anxiety.
Be Kind to Yourself
Encouragement to Have Courage
Reflecting on his own journey with arthritis, retired Army SFC Farron Dozier offers encouraging words to fellow service members struggling with joint pain.
Help & Support
Help for Military Personnel
An Air Force veteran encourages other vets and service members with arthritis to get support in our virtual Connect Group focused on the military.
Read Donna’s Story
Don’t Give Up, We’ve Got Your Back
This retired combat medic says military personnel with arthritis can find helpful resources and connect with others to share tips and confide in.
Watch Krendra’s VideoConnect Face to Face Where You Live
Get encouraged and make living with arthritis easier through a Live Yes! Connect Group.
Arthritis Foundation Helpline
Our experienced Helpline team understands RA and is here to answer your questions. Call or email us for help in English or Spanish.
Learn More About VA Health Care
Find out how to apply for and manage the health care benefits you've earned. You can access veterans health services and get medical equipment, prosthetics and prescriptions.
VA Resources
Advocating for Service Members with Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation advocates for funding and research on arthritis in the military. Learn more about this work and how to urge your legislators to support this vital funding.
VA Resources
Action Center
Watch a Webinar
Webinars are led by experts who are committed to keeping you informed about arthritis, including treatment options, solutions to everyday challenges and ways to live your best life.
Find a WebinarTake Control with Expert Advice
Arthritis can make your head spin. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Get tips to help you take control of arthritis and put your mind at ease.
Get TipsPartnership With VA
Military service members are more prone to develop arthritis than civilians. The Arthritis Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs have teamed up to offer even more support.
Learn MoreStay in the Know. Live in the Yes.
Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.
Building a Personal Pain Plan
Building a Personal Pain Plan
In this episode, learn how to create a realistic pain management plan that factors in what you’ve experienced in the military and things you’ve encountered along the way.
Listen Now
Pain is incredibly complex and difficult to live with. What’s most important is finding ways to live the life that you love. If there are things you want to change, start very small and set yourself up for success.
Podcast guest Rachel Aaron, MA, PhDFB Live: Men in Chronic Pain
Overcoming Stigmas and Finding Solutions
Society says men should be tough. But when you live with chronic pain, how do you overcome the stigma? In this live session, a panel of patients and experts share tips on finding solutions for arthritis and how to overcome harmful stereotypes so you can better manage your pain.