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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
    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
    • 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.

    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.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    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.

    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!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnailLive Yes! INSIGHTS

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

    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.

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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Running Safely With Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis doesn’t have to stop you from running — when done carefully, it can actually reduce pain associated with arthritis.

Many people mistakenly believe that running causes knee osteoarthritis — however, doctors now know this is not true. Researchers who compared long-term effects of walking, running and other strenuous forms of exercise found that running significantly decreased the risk of hip and knee replacement, while other forms of exercise increased it. Another long-term study of runners versus non-runners showed that the runners did not have a higher incidence of knee osteoarthritis than the non-runners.

While doctors are still trying to understand how running can improve knee arthritis directly, it is well understood that running can facilitate weight loss, which is known to significantly reduce stress on joints and improve OA symptoms.

Running can be a healthy way to manage symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, but there are a few considerations that should be made before you begin.

Take it Slowly, and Listen to your Body

Like with any new fitness program, it’s important to start slowly. D. Casey Kerrigan, MD, a pioneer of gait analysis research at Harvard University and owner of OESH Shoes, suggests working closely with your doctor and physical therapist, listening to your body and using pain as a signal to back off when you’re pushing too hard. “The goal is to run without knee pain. Build up to it,” says Dr. Kerrigan.

Advice can seem contradictory — on the one hand, you are advised not to run through knee pain, but on the other hand, how do you know when to stop, if some amount of knee pain is a part of your daily life? For people with knee OA, the pain can seem constant. Dr. Kerrigan recommends taking note of your baseline pain and paying close attention to your knees to be sure that pain isn’t increasing. If pain starts to get worse, stop running and rest for a day or two. Keep a journal so you can keep track of what you did last time and use it to guide your next workout. This is a great way to track progress, as well as keep up with any factors that might be causing you pain.

Distinguish Different Sources of Pain

Be sure to pay attention to any new pain — something other than OA could be exacerbating your existing pain. Other common types of knee pain that affect runners include patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly referred to as “runner’s knee,” and chondromalacia patella, which is a condition often mistaken for patellofemoral OA.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterized by pain in and around the kneecap. While there is no one cause, it is generally considered an overuse injury that can be brought on by poor alignment of the knee and/or hip. The best way to avoid patellofemoral pain syndrome is to start slowly with speed as well as distance, and to allow plenty of rest between runs.

Chondromalacia patella carries symptoms similar to those associated with OA. “Many people think it is the same thing as osteoarthritis, but the differences are important in how we approach it,” says Dr. Kerrigan. Chondromalacia, which most often affects women, is caused by softening of the cartilage under the kneecap, largely due to poor tracking of the patella in its groove. Treatment and pain management methods are similar to osteoarthritis, but can also include exercises to strengthen the inside thigh muscles, which can improve tracking.

Always consult a doctor for any new or concerning pain.

Pay Attention to Footwear and Choose Forgiving Surfaces

The most important component in managing OA knee pain while trying to run is footwear. Research shows that the best footwear for minimizing knee pain associated with OA is a flat-soled shoe. “When it comes to shoes,” says Dr. Kerrigan, “the flatter the better.”

But it’s not just the shoe you run in that affects your running. “You’re only wearing them for a short time when you’re running,” says Dr. Kerrigan. “It’s what you’re wearing the rest of the time that’s important. If you want to run, minimize total daily load on your knees by wearing shoes throughout the day that don’t increase loading.”

When possible, run on grass or small gravel. Another good option is asphalt, which absorbs more of the impact than the harsh and unforgiving surface of concrete.

Overall, Dr. Kerrigan has one simple piece of advice for people who have knee OA and want to run: “Go do it! Don’t listen to people who sit around and say, ‘you’re going to ruin your knees.’ You’re going to do the exact opposite! But it’s going to take a little bit of time to get there.”

Physical Activity
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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.

  • Partner

    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.

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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


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
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  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
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