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Rx for Access
Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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Gout
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
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    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
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    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

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Back

Fibro Fog

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain conditions that causes body pain and other symptoms include brain and memory problems commonly called fibro fog

Fibro fog – also known as fibromyalgia fog and brain fog – is a common way to describe the brain-related problems that can occur with fibromyalgia. Scientists don’t yet have a full picture of its causes and effects, but treating sleeping problems, depression, fatigue and chronic pain improves symptoms.

What is fibro fog?

The loss of mental clarity is twice as common in people with fibromyalgia (some 50 percent to 80 percent report issues) than in those with other rheumatologic conditions, according to a 2016 Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology report.
 
The most common fibro fog complaints include:
  • Forgetfulness and problems remembering new information.
  • Reduced ability to think quickly and efficiently, especially in distracting environments.
  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling alert.
  • Difficulty holding conversation or the ability to access stored language information quickly and efficiently.

All in Your Head?

Scientists aren’t sure how much of fibro fog is caused by the distractions of pain, lack of sleep and other symptoms and how much is a result of the disease itself. Studies of attention, memory and thinking problems in people with fibromyalgia have produced mixed results.

A 2018 controlled trial published in PeerJ that compared working memory in people with fibromyalgia with those of healthy participants found no major differences. The people with fibromyalgia, however, felt strongly that they had significant problems with memory and thinking in their daily life. Study authors think one reason for the disconnect is that taking memory and thinking tests under the controlled conditions of scientific study – and without the distractions of daily life – may not reflect real-world function. 

Although the cause of fibromyalgia fog is still up for debate, many physicians and researchers theorize that it could be related to poor sleep. A 2018 Plos One study comparing people with fibromyalgia, people with depression and healthy individuals found that most cognitive problems reported by those with fibromyalgia were related to poor sleep, which was reported by 99 percent.

Better Sleep, Exercise May Ease Issues

“The first thing I ask my patients is how well they’re sleeping,” says Dr. Keenan. “Most will tell me that they’re waking up several times during the night or lying awake for hours. Goal number one becomes getting them to sleep well, which can help them feel sharper and help them better deal with pain.”

Dr. Keenan often tackles sleep issues using a combination of tactics, including medication to help people get the restorative sleep. “Good sleep hygiene also is important,” he says. 
Exercise, which helps improve sleep, has also been shown to improve measures of cognitive function in people with fibromyalgia. 
 
A 2018 study published in Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging found that people with fibromyalgia who did resistance exercises twice a week for about four months were able to process information more quickly than before the intervention. Exercise also improved sleep quality in people with fibromyalgia in a 2017 American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation study of strength training. It found that found nightly sleep disturbances decreased after eight weeks of the workouts. 
 
“I recommend that people with fibromyalgia get as much activity during the day as they can handle, whether it’s walking fifty feet down the street or getting into a warm pool to exercise,” says Dr. Keenan.   
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Fibromyalgia Related Articles
Find More Fibromyalgia Articles
Expert Q&A: Fighting Brain Fog

Fibromyalgia

Expert Q&A: Fighting Brain Fog
A rheumatologist shares a key tip to combat fatigue and arthritis-related brain fog.
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RA and Fibro Patient Experience with COVID-19 Vaccine

Fibromyalgia

RA and Fibro Patient Experience with COVID-19 Vaccine
A rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia patient shares her experience getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Expert Q&A: Telling the Difference Between Fibro, OA and Inflammatory Arthritis Pain

Fibromyalgia

Expert Q&A: Telling the Difference Between Fibro, OA and Inflammatory Arthritis Pain
Learn how to tell the difference between fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory arthritis pain.
Read More
Connect with Others
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    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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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 an 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.

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

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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

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

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.

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