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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.

    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.

    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
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    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
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
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  • 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
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    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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    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.

    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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Six Ways to Ensure Joint Surgery Success 

Get to know the complications and risks of total hip or knee replacement and what you can do about them so you can have a successful surgery to reduce or eliminate your pain and get back to the activities you love.

1. Pick an Experienced Surgeon
A study published in the  BMJ in 2014 found that patients whose surgeons perform more than 35 total hip replacements (THR) per year – roughly three or more per month – have fewer complications compared to patients whose surgeons don’t meet that threshold. And the fewer replacements they do, the higher the rate of complications. Experience in years did not matter, the study found; the difference comes with repeatedly performing the surgery. Your primary care doctor can recommend an experienced surgeon.
2. Choose a High-Volume Facility
The same goes for the hospital you choose: Studies have found that complication rates after total joint replacement generally are lower in those with a higher volume of surgeries. One 2016 study from the National Institutes of Health found that when it comes to total hip replacements, hospitals that do more than 400 surgeries a year have significantly fewer complications (and are less expensive) than those with lower volume. More than 80% of people in the U.S. live within 50 miles of a high-volume hospital, and many now opt for a very high-volume hospital – one that does more than 1,000 joint replacements a year. 
3. Be Aware of Metal Implants
Doctors worldwide stopped using metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants after they were found to have high failure rates and to cause other complications. But metal is still a component in some implants and, though rare, some people have allergies to the metals used. Chromium, nickel, cobalt, titanium and molybdenum are among the most common metals found in implants. Symptoms may include pain or loss of function in the implant area, weakness or fatigue, diarrhea and headaches. Testing before joint replacement surgery isn’t recommended for everyone, and most available tests aren’t considered accurate. Still, if you’ve had a reaction to metal in the past – to jewelry, for example – you may want to talk to your doctor about a test.
4. Quit Smoking

Smokers have significantly higher rates of complications than non-smokers do, including blood clots, abnormal heartbeat, urinary tract infection and kidney failure. One study found that the overall revision rate – meaning the number of surgeries that had to be redone – was 10 times higher for smokers compared with nonsmokers: 10% vs. 1%. But quitting isn’t easy and usually takes time. To get started: 

  • Choose a quit date, then plan how you’ll go about it. 

  • Find ways to stay active, manage stress and prevent weight gain during and after you quit. 

  • Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacements and other medicines that may make quitting easier, and ask friends and family for support.

5. Drop Excess Weight
Hip and knee implants are designed to bear normal weight – a body mass index (BMI) of 18 to 25. Many studies, including a 2018 meta-analysis in BMJ Open, have found the surgery may be less effective and cause more complications when people weigh more. Obese patients (BMI of 30 or higher) are more likely to have long-term pain and disability and problems such as blood clots and implant dislocation. Many surgeons recommend losing weight both before and after joint replacement, and most won’t operate on patients with a BMI of 40 or higher. There’s no sure-fire way to lose pounds and keep them off. But a diet high in vegetables, healthy fats and moderate amounts of fish or chicken along with daily exercise is a good place to start. If you have a lot to lose or can’t go it alone, talk to your doctor about medically supervised weight loss. 
6. Control Other Health Problems
Having chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease make complications during and after joint replacement more likely. People with diabetes may be twice as likely to get an infection after surgery, for example, and those with liver disease are readmitted to the hospital significantly more often. Most chronic illnesses can’t be cured, but you and your doctor should work together to ensure you’re as healthy as possible before having surgery.  
Joint Surgery
View All Articles
Total Knee Replacement Surgery Considerations

Joint Surgery

Total Knee Replacement Surgery Considerations
Learn more about the pros and cons of total knee replacement surgery for patients looking for pain relief and to renew their active lifestyles.
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Hip Replacement Success Rates

Joint Surgery

Hip Replacement Success Rates
Explore stats showing how hip replacement surgery can reduce pain and improve function for people with severe joint damage from arthritis and other conditions.
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Making Sense of Your Insurance
Choose the right coverage, reduce costs and minimize claim denials with these helpful tips.
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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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    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

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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

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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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