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Do I Have Arthritis?
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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
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    • 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
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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.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
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    • Medical Decisions
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    • 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. 

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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!

    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!

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Back

12 Supplements for Osteoarthritis

Before you buy supplements to treat your OA, see which ones have the best evidence behind them – and which do not.

12 Supplements for Osteoarthritis
Numerous natural supplements are promoted for treating osteoarthritis (OA), from glucosamine and chondroitin to curcumin. Some are better than others at easing pain and stiffness. Check with your doctor before trying any of these products – many have some side effects and some may interfere with your medications. Be informed when buying them. Use them only as part of a comprehensive OA management plan that includes exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and protecting your joints.
 
Fish Oil
Fish oil is loaded with the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which help bring down inflammation in the body. These supplements have the potential to protect the heart and brain, which may be why they’re so widely used. However, there’s no clear evidence that fish oil does anything to improve OA symptoms. In fact, based on the quality of evidence available, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) does not recommend using it for hand, hip or knee OA.
 
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Research has shown mixed results for using these popular supplements for OA, but there’s no proof that they ease OA pain in the knee, hip or other joints. Plus, they may interact with the blood thinning drug warfarin (Coumadin), and glucosamine can affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Based on available evidence, the ACR recommends against these supplements for hip or knee OA and against glucosamine for hand OA, although evidence is more mixed for chondroitin for hand OA.
 
Vitamin D
This vitamin strengthens bones, but it doesn’t do much, if anything, to relieve OA pain. Although one study suggested that vitamin D supplements might improve joint pain in people who are low in this nutrient, most other studies have found no significant benefit.
 
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM, a compound found in green fruits and vegetables, is used in the body to maintain and repair connective tissue, and it may have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies found it may improve pain and function in knee OA, and a recent review says that, despite poor quality of studies, limited evidence does support using it for OA. Doses used in the studies ranged from 1.5 g to 6 g per day. MSM can cause side effects, including allergic reactions.
 
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol, a bark extract of the maritime pine, is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. A systematic review found that limited evidence supports trying this for OA for a few months; studies show improvements in knee OA pain and function when taken at 50 mg two or three times daily for three months. Side effects may include stomach upset and increased symptoms of autoimmune diseases so talk to your doctor before trying it.
 
S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
SAMe is a substance your body naturally produces. Studies on SAMe supplements for OA have been inconsistent. Some have found it to be as effective as NSAIDs at improving joint pain and function, but others haven’t shown any benefit at all. Although this supplement is generally safe, it could be risky for people with bipolar disorder or who are immune-compromised, and it may interact with drugs, including antidepressants and the Parkinson’s treatment levodopa.
 
Boswellia serrata
This plant extract has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat inflammatory diseases. In studies, proprietary extracts of Boswellia serrata (5-Loxin, Aflapin) temporarily reduced inflammation and pain and disability in knee OA. A systematic review found noteworthy effects in easing OA symptoms, although the quality of the evidence was weak. Minor side effects included nausea, headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and general weakness.
 
Curcumin
Curcumin, the active component that gives turmeric its distinctive yellow color, has anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties One review of studies on knee OA found that formulations of curcumin that are more easily absorbed by the body (such as Theracurmin or C3 Complex) reduced pain. As with MSM, pycnogenol and Boswellia, a recent review found that limited evidence does support using it for OA, although the studies were weak. Curcumin may interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin.
 
Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASUs)
Made of extracts from avocado and soybean oils, these hard-to-pronounce supplements block inflammatory substances that break down cartilage. Some studies found ASUs improved pain, stiffness and joint function in knee and hip OA, although a recent review of studies concluded that the quality of studies was weak and improvements were modest. In certain people, ASUs can trigger an allergic reaction.
 
Willow bark
Willow bark comes from the same type of tree – Salix – that gives us salicylic acid, or aspirin. It’s been used for thousands of years to treat pain and inflammation. Whether willow bark works for OA hard to say, because study results have been mixed or have not shown any improvement compared to placebo. And though its side effects are minimal, willow bark can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to aspirin.
 
Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II)
Collagen is the structural protein in skin, tendons, and bones. Collagen type II is the form in the cartilage lining the joints. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) supplements come from the breastbone of chickens. One study showed that UC-11 improved pain, stiffness, and function in knee OA better than a placebo, and slightly better than glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Additional research is needed to confirm whether this supplement is effective for OA.
 

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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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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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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.

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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.

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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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