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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.

    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
    • Partnerships
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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!

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
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    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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Top 11 Workout Mistakes to Avoid

Learn how to get the most out of your workout regimen by avoiding these 11 workout mistakes.

1. Top workout mistakes to avoid
Exercise is essential for managing your arthritis, but if you aren’t doing it correctly, you could be doing your body more harm than good. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), people tend to make the same fitness mistakes repeatedly – regardless of their age or physical ability. Avoid these top workout mistakes to keep your joints strong and injury free.
2. You skip the warm-up
Warming up raises your body temperature and increases blood flow to loosen the muscles. If you skip it, you risk injury and stiffer joints the day after. It doesn’t have to be complex. Something as simple as marching in place for five minutes will do the trick.
3. You never stretch
Stretching gives muscles a full range of motion and is key in preparing for aerobic activity, especially when dealing with stiff joints. The best stretch? Hamstring stretches. When a hamstring is tight, it can cause misalignment in the pelvis and knees.
4. You forget to cool down
A proper cool-down, which includes deep breathing and long stretches, will get your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure safely back to normal while improving flexibility.
5. You head straight for the heaviest dumbbells
Weight training increases energy and stamina but be careful not to overdo it. Lifting too much too soon can damage the tissue. When weight training, you should feel fatigue by the 12th or 15th repetition, be it a 1-pound or 100-pound weight. Once that becomes easy, add more weight.
6. You excessively huff and puff
A workout that’s too intense can put you in an anaerobic state, which means you aren't getting enough oxygen into your system. That causes joint and tissue pain. How do you know if you’re getting the right combination of aerobic activity and oxygen? Find your target heart rate (subtract your age from 220), then shoot for 40 to 70 percent of that rate. Research has shown that you can improve pain levels and weight loss in an aerobic capacity anywhere after 40 percent.
7. You go too easy
To lose weight, build muscle and maintain energy levels, a good workout means breaking a small sweat and working out at 40 to 70 percent of your target heart rate. However, there is a fine line for people with arthritis. If your pain levels are high and find you are hurting a lot after a workout, you may need to dial down the intensity.
8. You don’t hydrate
When you work out, your body needs extra water to cool off and keep blood circulating. If you’re dehydrated, you aren’t doing either. Drink plenty of water prior to exercise and get another 6 to 8 ounces for every 15 minutes of exercise. Follow the workout with more water to replenish what was lost.
9. You eat for exercise
Unless you are training for a marathon, you do not need extra calories before working out. Also, be mindful of when you eat before working out. If you eat two hours before exercising, your blood flow will be focused on digestion instead of on keeping muscles warm and bringing oxygen to your body. This can result in muscle cramps and nausea.
10. You’re a “leaner”
It’s easy to lean over and rest on the armrests when using stationary equipment, such as a stair climber, but resist the temptation. Leaning may feel easier, but bad posture will only exacerbate joint pain.
11. You’re not focused on form
Make sure you’re using the proper form. Look at yourself in a mirror or ask a trainer to evaluate your positioning. Using the wrong form can cause injury and hyperextend your joints.
12. You’re a little too tough
Pushing through pain is not the thing to do. If your joints are hot or swollen, exercise can increase the damage and cause more pain. Remember, arthritis pain and pain from a strenuous workout are not the same. A little soreness a day or two after a workout is OK. Anything more than that is not.
13. Start Your Routine
Ready to get started? Try our Your Exercise Solution (YES) tool or download the YES Tool Mobile App to find the perfect arthritis-friendly exercise for you.
Physical Activity
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11 Common Exercise Hurdles to Overcome

Physical Activity

11 Common Exercise Hurdles to Overcome
Take a look at these tips to help start and maintain an exercise program to manage arthritis symptoms.
Read More
Fitness That Fits You
Work out your own way using our YES tool, with exercises customized to your abilities.
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Walk With Ease
Reduce your arthritis pain with our proven walking program, on your own or with a group.
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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.

 
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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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    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Live Yes! INSIGHTS

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    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.

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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
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  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
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