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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.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

    • 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
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    • Emotional Well-being
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  • 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.

    Get Your JA Power Pack

    Newly diagnosed with JA and wanting to learn more? Power Packs have the tools you need to find Yes! for you and your child.

    • 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.

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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.

    Jingle Bell Run

    The original festive race for charity and signature Foundation holiday event! Wear your favorite holiday attire and together, we’ll jingle all the way to a cure! Register as an individual or bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run, walk or stroll, and spread the good cheer. 

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Back

Essential Bike Accessories

 Learn how to protect your joints by choosing the right bike accessories for comfortable and safe riding.

By Ellen Fix

Whether for short workouts through the neighborhood, quick trips to the store or commuting to work, having the right bike accessories can enhance your riding comfort and your safety. Your local bike shop can help outfit you and your bike with this smart safety gear. Start with these tips to help you learn how to properly support your riding and your arthritis.

Get a Grip
Y-shaped handlebars, known as riser bars, let you sit taller, reducing strain from leaning forward. A wide handlebar grip, such as Ergon bike grips (ergon-bike.com) provides a more even distribution of pressure across the width of your hands.

Protect From Head to Toe
Helmets are a necessity. A comfortable fit is also important. Choose a helmet that offers an adjustable fit with lots of padding and ventilation. Many now offer anti-concussion technology to reduce risks of concussion in an accident.

Gloves protect your hands, help reduce vibration and prevent sweaty hands from slipping. Try gloves infused with gel for maximum protection, such as Pearl’s Pittard (pearlizumi.com). For feet, a lightweight, flexible hiking shoe is better bicycling wear than a flimsy or stiff gym shoe. Feet also benefit from larger pedals, which require you to exert fewer pounds per square inch for movement.

Gain a Full View 
A small rear-view mirror, mounted to your helmet, the bow of your eyeglasses or your handlebars, can help you avoid accidents by giving you side and rear views without having to turn your head.

Widen Wheels Wisely
Wider wheels absorb more of the jarring from bumps and holes in the road, but narrow wheels require you to expend less energy to propel the bike. A happy medium, such as a 1-1⁄2-inch tire, is best.

Cushion the Curb
Front fork and seat post suspension – like those featured on many mountain bikes and hybrid bikes – can significantly reduce shock from bumps, so your joints don’t take the brunt of the ride. Padded bike shorts provide cushion in just the right place, as well as wick moisture and help prevent chafing. If chaffing does occur, chamois cream lubricant slathered directly on body parts that experience the most pressure at the seat (such as the groin) can help you counter the rubbing that can lead to an irritating, if not painful, burn.

Saddle Up
Choose a gender-specific, gel-padded bike seat, known as a saddle in cycling circles. When trying a saddle, most of your weight should be on your “sitz” bones (the ischial tuberosities), which are located at the very base of the pelvis. Saddles with a notch forged in the center reduce pressure on the crotch. A seat that is too narrow causes your behind to settle around it rather than on it, causing painful contact pressure in the crotch. This is a particular problem with upright handlebars, when most of your weight is on the seat. A saddle that is too wide with bulky padding can cause thigh chafing on longer rides and add pressure on the body toward the nose of the saddle. Most seats are fully adjustable and getting the right position is critical, says David Maxwell, manager of District Hardware/The Bike Shop in Washington, D.C. “Angle the nose of the seat down so part of your weight rests on the handlebars, with your pelvis at a slight forward lean,” he says.

Get in Gear
Changing gears allows you to pedal at the same number of revolutions per second, despite terrain, to maintain your speed. Make sure your bike offers plenty of gears – five or more is optimal – especially if you plan to ride hills.

Hydrate Often
A special attachment for your bike, known as a water bottle cage, keeps water bottles within easy reach. Hydration backpacks, such as a Camelbak (camelbak.com), let you wear your water and provide easy access via a hose, so you can drink hands-free while you ride. Many hydration packs also have small cargo pockets to stash your car keys, spare tire tubes, a bike pump and more.

Physical Activity
View All Articles
How to Find the Right Bike

Physical Activity

How to Find the Right Bike
Get tips for choosing one of four bicycle designs that have the features that best fit your body and needs.
Read More
The Benefits of Stationary Biking

Physical Activity

The Benefits of Stationary Biking
Here’s why you should give a stationary bike workout a spin, plus tips on how to get started safely.
Read More
Fitness That Fits You
Work out your own way using our YES tool, with exercises customized to your abilities.
Get the Tool
Walk With Ease
Reduce your arthritis pain with our proven walking program, on your own or with a group.
Learn More

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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    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 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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