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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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  • 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
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    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
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  • 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!

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Emotional Self-Care During Tough Times

Stress may feel overwhelming, but it's important to control it, especially because it can worsen arthritis symptoms. Here are some strategies to help reduce stress and feel better.

By Stephanie Watson

Stress may feel overwhelming with rising fears about the novel coronavirus and its impacts. But stress is ever-present in daily life, whether it's from a major upheaval like a pandemic, a personal trauma like a divorce or job loss, or even just minor day-to-day snags like traffic and long supermarket checkout lines. To all of these worries, arthritis, especially inflammatory arthritis, adds a whole other set of stressors.

“When you have a chronic illness, the disease and its treatments bring along a lot of stressful events and situations,” says Francis Keefe, PhD, professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and director of the Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Program at Duke University Medical Center. 

Stress involves more than just your emotions. It produces a physical response that leads to the release of inflammation-promoting chemicals in your body. In an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), more inflammation equals worse symptoms. 

The unpredictable nature of arthritis can leave you constantly wondering when the next flare might hit and how it could impact you. “The worrying can make [arthritis] symptoms worse as well,” says Neda Gould, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and director of the Mindfulness Program at Johns Hopkins Medicine. 

You can’t totally eliminate stress, but there are a few things you can do to manage it and buffer its effects on your life. 


 

Exercise to Relax

If you’ve ever experienced a mood boost after taking a jog or brisk walk outside, there’s a reason. Working out stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals called endorphins in your brain, which produce the “high” runners get. Meanwhile, exercise lowers levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in your system.

Any exercise is good for you, but pushing yourself a little bit – gradually walking for longer distances or at a faster pace – increases your tolerance to stress. “What ends up happening is you build resil¬ience,” Dr. Keefe says. Just be mindful not to push past your limits and end up in pain. Therapeutic exercises like yoga are good for your mind and body as studies show that the practice reduces stress and anxiety. 

Calm Your Mind 

When worries plague your mind, several relaxation techniques can calm troubled thoughts, including deep breathing, mindfulness meditation  and progressive muscle relaxation. “Relaxation techniques are among the most effective tools for managing stress, and they’re often underutilized,” Dr. Keefe says. 

Which method is best? “The one that you’ll actually use,” he adds.

Think of each technique as one tool in a toolbox. The tool you choose depends on your need. Deep breathing slows the heartbeat and brings on a sense of calm when you’re having a stressful event. After taking a deep inhale of breath, you can say a positive affirmation as you exhale to help you relax. 
These techniques can be practiced anywhere. Taking a few minutes to meditate or progressively relax tight muscles a few times a day is good for your body and mind. 

Seek Support

Chronic conditions are isolating. Sometimes you can feel like you’re all alone. Having somebody who will listen when you need a compassionate ear is invaluable. The size of your support network is less important than the quality of support you receive, Dr. Keefe says. Surround yourself with people who are compassionate, nonjudgmental and under¬stand the unpredictability and impact of having a chronic disease.

You have a few options for support. Lean on family and friends. See a mental health professional who specializes in chronic conditions. Join a support group for people with arthritis, which will give you “a sense of connection to others in the room who are struggling with the same things you’re dealing with,” Dr. Gould says. The Arthritis Foundation has a network of support groups around the coun¬try. Learn more about LiveYes! Connect Groups.

Tackle Uncertainty

Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) are very effective at managing inflammatory arthritis, but only if you take them. If your medication isn’t controlling your pain and other symptoms, it can lead to a lot of uncertainty and stress. Worried about side effects? Talk to your rheumatologist about what you’re experiencing. Not sure you can afford a new medication, wor¬ried about disease progression and whether you can have a baby or pass arthritis on to your newborn? Let your doctor know about those concerns, too. The unknown is a breeding ground for stress.

Sleep Well

Some people with inflammatory arthritis say their pain makes it hard for them to fall asleep, and the sleep they get is often disrupted. Poor sleep  leads to more pain, which perpetuates the cycle. When you’re sleep deprived, you don’t function as well emotionally or physically.

“Practicing good sleep hygiene is ideal,” Dr. Gould says. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, go to sleep at the same time each night and keep your bedroom cool and dark to promote better sleep. Your emotional health needs rest, too.

Good Habits Affects Emotions

“A lot of the things we do to deal with stress can create stress,” Dr. Keefe says. “Many times, people turn to things that have a short-term stress alleviation effect, but over time actually make things worse.” He points to bad habits like eating junk food, drinking too much alcohol and smoking. Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly and not smoking are good for overall health. And when you feel healthier, you are better able to manage stress.

Emotional Wellness
View All Articles
Expert Q&A: Supporting Your Child During Times of Crisis

Emotional Well-being

Expert Q&A: Supporting Your Child During Times of Crisis
Managing your own stress is key to helping your child cope in times of crisis, such as flares or virus outbreaks.
Read More
Emotional Self-Care During Tough Times

Emotional Well-being

Emotional Self-Care During Tough Times
Learn strategies to help reduce stress and feel better.
Read More
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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.

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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!

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

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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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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.

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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.

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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
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  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
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