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Osteoarthritis

Traditionally thought of as a disease related to aging and "wear and tear," osteoarthritis (OA) is now recognized as a disease of the whole joint. By far the most common form of arthritis, OA does not yet have any drugs that can slow or modify the disease, but there are effective therapies.

Everyone’s experience living with OA is different, but having information, resources and support can help you navigate your journey with this disease, whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or you’re a veteran of this disease. Explore this site to learn more about OA and what to expect when you’re diagnosed, as well as treatments and how to conquer everyday challenges. You’ll find support from others living with OA, ways to stay active and manage your disease, opportunities to advocate for yourself and others – so you can say Yes to living with OA.
Understanding Osteoarthritis (OA) OA Treatment OA Diagnosis: Why Weight Loss Matters

OA is by far the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million Americans.

About half of knees with ACL injuries develop OA within 5 to 15 years.

78 million Americans are projected to have OA by the year 2040.

Treating OA Is a Journey

Osteoarthritis may mean major surgery in your future. But first, there are options.

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Learn About Pain Meds for Osteoarthritis

Understand the pros and cons of different medicines for OA pain.

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Guidelines for Osteoarthritis Treatments

Understand what medications and other treatments your doctor may recommend for your osteoarthritis, based on American College of Rheumatology guidelines.

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have Osteoarthritis

Download this checklist of questions for your doctor so you can better understand your osteoarthritis, what therapies you might receive and what to expect.

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News & Stories

OACS Forum: Exercise Behavior for OA

In this OA Clinical Studies Forum, experts discuss exercise behavior modifications for osteoarthritis.

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In Search of Drugs for Osteoarthritis

Experts tackle obstacles to developing new drugs for the most common form of arthritis.

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Nick Steen

Better treatments are needed for the millions of people affected by arthritis pain, like Nick Steen and his daughter.

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Living Well With Osteoarthritis

Slowing Osteoarthritis Progression

Learn about healthy lifestyle choices that can help ease joint pain and keep OA from getting worse.

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OA Diagnosis: Why Weight Loss Matters

Reaching a healthy weight eases the pain of osteoarthritis and may even help slow the disease.

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More About Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis and Your Heart Arthritis Pain Relief and Shoe Inserts The Link Between Arthritis and Diabetes Movement Is the Best Medicine for Osteoarthritis

Common Questions

How does fat affect osteoarthritis?
What tests are used to diagnose and track OA?
How is arthritis linked to mental health?
What's the best diet for osteoarthritis?
What causes my fatigue with arthritis?
How can exercise benefit my OA?
How should I prepare for joint surgery?

Help & Support

Arthritis Foundation Helpline

Our experienced Helpline team understands OA and is here to answer your questions. Call or email us for help in English or Spanish.

Get the Help You Need
Recently Diagnosed?

If you were recently diagnosed, you may feel overwhelmed and alone. Get tips that can help you manage your disease.

Helpful Tips & Resources
Get Connected with a Community

Connecting with others in your local community who understand what it's like to live with arthritis is life-changing. Find a connect group near you to make new friends, share tips and get support.
Movement is Medicine

Fitness Solutions for Arthritis
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Resources & Tools

Your Exercise Solution Videos Your Health, Your Coverage Walk With Ease E-books Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast Educational Webinars Ease of Use Products Become an Advocate Pain Management Resources
Stay 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.

 
I Want to Contribute
I Need Help
  • Donate

    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis.

  • Partner

    Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

Donate

Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make a Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

Other Ways to Give

Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

Live Yes! INSIGHTS

Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

Get Started

Partner

Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

More About Partnerships