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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 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
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    • Where it Hurts
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    Woman holding shoulderWebinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    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.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
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    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.

    man exercisingStairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

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

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    2023 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.

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    • About Juvenile Arthritis
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    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. 

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

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    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.

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    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!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnailLive Yes! INSIGHTS

    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

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

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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. 

If you’ve just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA), there’s a lot you can do to ease your pain and protect your joints.  If you aren’t already at a healthy weight, then weight loss can make a big difference. Here’s why.

Joint Pain

Your joints take a beating with every step — about one-and-a-half times your body weight when you are walking on a flat surface. If you go uphill, the pressure increases to two or three times your body weight. Over a lifetime, that’s a lot of pounding.

When you have arthritis, your joints often go out of alignment. This places even more pressure on those joints. In fact, every pound puts four times the pressure on your arthritic knees. So, a five-pound weight loss takes 20 pounds of extra stress off your joints.

Inflammation

Extra pounds can cause joint problems in another way, too. Fat — especially the kind that collects around your middle — makes chemicals that cause low-grade inflammation throughout your body. This means your knee OA can get worse, and you can develop OA joints like your hands and shoulders too. So, shedding pounds can make a big difference.

Cartilage Loss 

Losing weight can help save the tissue (cartilage) that covers the ends of the bones. That may slow down how quickly your OA gets worse. The more weight lost, the lower the speed of disease progression. 

Weight Loss Is Hard 

Most people who carry extra pounds want to lose them. They diet, join a gym, even get counseling. But despite their efforts, they may never quite reach their goal. Or, they may drop a lot of weight, only to gain it back. If this sounds like you, don’t be hard on yourself.

Easy access to cheap, high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, like soda and burgers is much to blame. Loaded with sugar, salt and fat, these foods appeal to the brain’s reward centers. Extra-large portions are also part of the story, as well as busy schedules that don’t allow time to make healthy meals.

You Can Succeed

Experts say answer to the dieting cycle is to not diet or deprive yourself. Instead, change the way you eat, exercise and deal with the reasons you overeat.

Not sure how to get started? Ask your doctor to recommend a registered dietitian. This expert uses proven strategies that empower you to make real changes for a lifetime.

Another option is to look for a weight-loss program that’s backed by research with a track record of success, such as Take Off Pounds Sensibly. This nonprofit program is inexpensive and provides support, education about food and fitness advice.

Here’s a good way to start eating healthier today: chose lots of vegetables and fruits, lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats like avocado and nuts. 

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OA is the most common type of arthritis. It tends to occur in middle age or due to an injury or obesity.
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Diagnosed With Osteoarthritis?

Get the latest news and tips about living with OA in the Living Your Yes! e-newsletter.

 
 
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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.

Get Started

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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.

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