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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 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.

    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.

    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.

    • 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
  • Professionals
    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
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    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! 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!

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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COVID-19 and OA: Tips for Staying Healthy

The coronavirus may have disrupted your osteoarthritis care routine, but here’s how to stay on track. 

Keep Up with Medical Care
Some of your appointments may have been delayed, but it’s important to keep up with medical care. Failure to do so can cause worsening pain and symptoms, which can also impact sleep, mood and the ability to exercise. Maintain regular doctor’s appointments – including telemedicine. If you must go to the office, rest assured that many are employing extensive safety protocols, like requiring masks, enhanced sanitization and limiting the number of visitors at one time. Call ahead to learn more.
Look into Supplements
No single vitamin, mineral or food can cure or prevent COVID-19, or “boost” your immune system. So, don’t believe any product that claims it can. However, some supplements can still support a healthy immune and help your body’s ability to fight illness. These include Vitamins D and C, Zinc and some probiotic strains. Click here to learn more about the best supplements to support immunity.  
Manage Comorbidities
In addition to maintaining routine OA care, managing other conditions is just as important to staying healthy. This is especially true if you are exposed to the coronavirus. Certain comorbidities, like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and obesity, are linked with more severe illness and outcomes. Manage comorbidities by keeping up with proper treatments, medical appointments and recommended lifestyle modifications.
Get Moving
You’ve heard it before – movement is one of the best treatments for managing OA. Plus, exercise helps support a healthy immune system, which is more critical now than ever. But just because you can’t go to the gym, doesn’t mean you have to quit your fitness routine. There are plenty of ways to stay active – including at home exercises and online/livestreaming workouts. Even a stroll around the block can help manage pain and symptoms. So, resist the excuses and tie up your laces!
Eat a Healthy Diet
More time at home may mean more temptation and bored visits to the fridge. But avoid mindless munching, or at the very least, keep healthy, low-calorie snacks on hand, like fruit, veggies and hummus and low-fat yogurt. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, like the Mediterranean Diet, can also help keep extra pounds at bay – which is important for managing joint pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Click here to learn how to make an arthritis-friendly meal by Celebrity Chef Ming Tsai.
Prioritize Sleep
During stressful times, getting the proper amount of sleep can be difficult. But not getting enough rest can worsen pain, increase appetite and cause mood swings. Poor sleep can also weaken your immune system and raise your infection risk. Prioritize rest by practicing good sleep hygiene, including making your bedroom a no-screen zone, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. For more sleep tips, click here.   
Following Social Distancing Guidelines
Experts agree – the best way to prevent infection is to practice social distance as much as possible. The CDC offers tips and guidelines for best practices – including staying at least six feet apart, avoiding mass gatherings and getting groceries, prescriptions and other essential items delivered. If you must venture out, take extra precautions like wearing a mask, maintaining a safe distance from others and using your elbows to press buttons. When you get home, wash your hands immediately.
Make Time for Yourself
Stress can impact the immune system and contribute to increased pain. So, it’s important to be gentle with yourself and practice behaviors that promote emotional wellbeing. It’s good to stay informed, but non-stop news will only worsen anxiety. Set aside 10-15 minutes to catch up on the news and leave it at that. Positive self-talk is another to support your emotional health. For even more ways to alleviate stress, click here.
Say “No” to Smoking
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that attacks the lung cells. New analysis from University of San Francisco researchers found that smoking nearly doubles the rate of disease progression. Researchers also warn against e-cigarettes and vaping pens, noting that using them can increase the risk and severity of pulmonary infections. Quitting smoking is also important for disease management – smoking is associated with severe pain and increased cartilage loss in OA.   
Stay Informed and Connected
Stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news specific to arthritis, including tips on staying healthy, preventing infection, employee rights and more in our Coronavirus: What You Should Know special section. And remember, social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. Connect with others for through the Arthritis Foundation’s Live YES! Network, and support the community by joining our army of arthritis advocates, sharing your story and demanding action from your legislators.
 
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    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

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    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.

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    Partner

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

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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

  • Match Gift
  • Donate a Car
  • Donor-Advised Funds

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

  • Walk to Cure
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Do it Yourself Fundraising
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

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

  • Partner with Us
  • Ease Of Use Commendation
  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
  • Promotions that Give Back