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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 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
    • 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!

    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
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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Make Running With Arthritis Safe With Tips and Modifications

Although running is a high-impact activity, a regular running routine can benefit your joints if done safely. Use these tips to make it happen. 

Running is a great aerobic exercise. It improves your heart and lung health, helps control weight, strengthens muscles and builds denser bones. Because running is a high-impact sport, some doctors do not recommend it for those who have arthritis in the weight-bearing joints. However, it also can benefit your joints: A regular running routine compresses and releases the cartilage in your knees, helping circulate synovial fluid that brings oxygen and nourishes your joints, and removes inflammatory waste products.

Many people with arthritis tolerate moderate running. And with these joint-specific tips and modifications you may, too. First and foremost, listen to your body. Make adjustments or modifications to your running schedule, your running form, your warm-up and stretching routine, or the running surface as needed to prevent injury. And talk to your doctor and physical and occupational therapists about other tips and modifications that may help with your specific joints affected by arthritis.

Joint-Friendly Running Tips and Modifications

User proper form. Proper running form is important to put less stress on both your upper and lower joints and to decrease the risk of injury. Hold your head high with gaze 30 to 40 feet ahead; relax your jaw, neck, shoulders (don’t shrug your shoulders up as it can increase tension as you run); keep hands relaxed and wrists loose; hold your elbows at your sides, bent about 90 degrees and swing arms forward and backward (don’t cross midline); align your foot with your knee when your foot hits the ground, and don’t raise your knees too high. Most experts recommend landing on your mid-foot, but some people prefer landing on forefoot or heel. Your trunk should be erect (don’t lean forward at the hip or waist); a slight forward lean will come from your ankle joint. You should run using a short, quick stride at a comfortable, easy pace. Run lightly; avoid pounding.

Wear the right shoes. Appropriate footwear is very important. Minimalist shoes, toe shoes and barefoot running may not be tolerated due to such arthritic changes as ankle pronation, bunions and hammer toes. These complications often require shoe orthotics to provide support and repositioning.

Run on softer surfaces. Smooth trails and paths, treadmills or water running in a pool can all reduce joint impact.

Consider shortening your stride. A shorter stride reduces the load on your weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, ankles and feet.

Warm up, cool down and stretch. Warm up with a walk and then stretch key muscle groups such as your quads, hamstrings, IT bands (which run from your knee up the outside of your leg), and calves. Stretch your arms, shoulders, back, hands and wrists as well. End with a cool down and more stretching. When doing stretches – such as calf stretches with hands on the wall – place your forearms on the wall rather than your hands if hands and wrists are sore and painful. If using a rail for stretching, keep your wrists in a neutral position.

Strengthen your core (abdominal, pelvic and back muscles) and the muscles surrounding your hips, knees, feet and ankles. Strong muscles improve body alignment and stability.

Never ignore foot pain. Find out what is causing the pain and address the problem. A minor foot injury could turn in to a major injury if it is ignored and directly or indirectly affect your other joints as you run. If you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis or bone spurs in the heel, you should get this inflammation under control before running for exercise. Appropriate footwear or orthotics often can alleviate plantar fasciitis, so you might consider an evaluation for appropriate footwear if you have this problem.

Consider a brace. A brace, sleeve, wrap or kinesiology tape or kinseo tape may help support joints while running. Consult your doctor or physical therapist about a knee brace, back brace, ankle brace, wrist brace or other supportive devices if arthritis affects these joints.

Monitor your running progress. Progress slowly, increasing your running distance, time and pace gradually. Cross-train, alternating running with low- or nonimpact activities. If you are preparing for a long run, use a long, gradual training schedule. Progress to running on more difficult terrain, if tolerated.

Physical Activity
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Running Safely With Knee Osteoarthritis

Physical Activity

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.
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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  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Family Summit
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  • Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Helpline: 1-800-283-7800
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  • Donate

    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

  • Volunteer

    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.

Donate


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.

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
  • Promotions that Give Back