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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune condition that affects not only joints but also organs, including eyes. While it can have painful and debilitating effects if left untreated, there are effective therapies to help control RA and its symptoms.

Everyone’s experience living with RA 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 RA 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 RA, ways to stay active and manage your disease, opportunities to advocate for yourself and others – so you can say Yes! to living with RA.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment More About RA

An estimated 1.3 million Americans live with RA, and it is twice as common in women as men.

RA takes a toll on mental health, with some estimates that up to 22% of RA patients have depression.

In one study, more than 50% of RA patients who reached remission sustained it for at least two years.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares

With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks its own body, causing pain and inflammation in joints as well as organs. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for this inflammatory, autoimmune condition.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Guidelines

Read about the recommended therapies for RA, including various types of medications, how your doctor may approach your treatment, and what to discuss with your health care provider.

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Receiving a diagnosis of this complex disease may feel overwhelming. Start by asking your doctor the right questions to guide you, with help from this downloadable checklist.

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News & Stories

In the News
New Barrier to Methotrexate for Arthritis Patients

The Roe V. Wade ruling by the Supreme Court is making it difficult for some arthritis patients to get this common arthritis medication. Learn why, and what you can do.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease

Learn why RA puts you at a greater risk for heart disease, and what you can do to protect yourself.

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Thriving With RA

Eugenia Esquivel was 30 years old and in a high-powered career when she was diagnosed with RA. Read about her journey and what helped her learn to not just cope, but thrive with the disease.

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Living Well With Rheumatoid Arthritis

How Fat Affects Rheumatoid Arthritis

Being overweight can worsen RA symptoms, make medications less effective and set you up for other health problems.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep

Understand how your RA can affect your sleep and how your sleep problems make your symptoms worse.

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Anti-Inflammatory Diet Do's and Don'ts

Following an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce body-wide inflammation. Here's how to do it.

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More about Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA's Effect on the Brain Can Antidepressants Help People With RA? Best Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis Use of Imaging Scans in the Detection and Monitoring of RA RA and Your Body Image

Common Questions

What tests are used to diagnose and track RA?
Are depression and anxiety linked with RA?
What should I eat or avoid with RA?
What causes my fatigue with RA?
What mind-body exercises might help?
How should I prepare for joint surgery?

Help & Support

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.

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.
Live Yes! Arthritis Webinar

Learn more about your rheumatoid arthritis, including disease basics, how to track symptoms, set realistic goals and communicate with your health care provider for better disease management.
Join Us

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