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  • About Arthritis
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    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
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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    • About Juvenile Arthritis
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    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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    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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Treating Arthritis with a Total Wellness Plan 

Managing arthritis is more than just treating pain. Find out why a comprehensive plan should include pain management and prevention of organ and joint damage. 

While not being able to do everyday tasks directly impacts your daily life, managing your arthritis is about more than just pain relief. A complete arthritis treatment plan eases pain and inflammation, slows joint and organ damage, and improves physical function and quality of life. 

“Pain relief certainly shows that you are on the right track,” says Eric Matteson, MD, professor of medicine and rheumatologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “There is often more that can be done to cool underlying, systemic inflammation and help prevent long-term damage to the joints and other organs that can occur with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).” 

Reach for Remission 

Rather than just soothing pain and allowing you to “get by,” doctors have the tools and medicines available to completely quiet many types of inflammatory arthritis. When your symptoms are nearly gone and the doctor says your joints aren’t inflamed anymore, that’s called remission. 

If you start treating the disease as soon as you find out you have it, and if you keep taking the medicines your doctor prescribes, you can go into remission. When treated early with DMARDs and biologics, remission rates can be as high as 60% — and sometimes even higher.  Even if you don’t get all the way down to zero symptoms, you will have less pain, be able to move better and have a good quality of life. Plus, your chances of developing other problems like heart disease will be lessened. 

Treat-to-Target 

Some doctors use a strategy called treat-to-target when working with you to come up with a treatment plan. The idea is that you and your doctor work closely together to decide on a goal (the ideal goal is low disease activity or remission) and a plan to reach that goal. You then have regular checkups to see how you’re doing (every 3 months, for example). Your doctor will adjust your medicines and other treatments until you reach your goal. 

There are many ways to measure your disease activity during those checkups. David Pisetsky, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and immunology and chief of rheumatology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, says, “We can get inflammation down so people feel no pain, but this doesn’t tell the full story. When inflammation levels are high, it’s easy to see damage on X-rays, but when levels are low, it is more difficult to know what is going on.”  

Blood tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or “sed rate”) and C-reactive protein (CRP) measure body-wide inflammation. However, they are not sensitive enough to pick up lower activity that may still be harming your joints and organs. Newer tests (such as Vectra DA) look at many markers to come up with a total disease score. Doctors are looking at those tests to see which can best measure low disease activity. 

Treat to target for RA is becoming more common, and doctors are exploring whether it can be used to treat PsA. 

Lifestyle Changes Matter Too 

Medicines don’t work on their own. Any medicine will work better if you combine it with lifestyle changes. Losing weight (when needed), keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, and stopping smoking will all improve your health and quality of life. 

Physical and occupational therapy, exercise, disease education, and complementary therapies can all be part of your total arthritis wellness plan. Dr. Matteson says, “Combining all, or most, of these elements in your personalized arthritis treatment plan and checking in with your rheumatologist regularly to monitor progress remain the best ways to take back your health and stay pain-free.” 

Sticking to Your Medicine Plan Matters 

Even if you start to feel better or don’t like medication side effects, you shouldn’t stop taking a medication. Low-level inflammation throughout your body may still be causing joint and organ damage. It’s important to stick with your treatment plan and talk to your doctor about your concerns. If you don’t take your medicine, your doctor won’t know what is or is not working so she won’t know when or how to switch your medications. 

Don’t Settle for “Good Enough” 

Until you reach low disease activity or remission, don’t give up. You don’t need to settle for just getting by – and you shouldn’t let your doctor either. Just because you feel “okay” doesn’t mean your disease is under control. Keep working with your doctor to find a treatment that eliminates your inflammation and pain. 

Treatment Plan
View All Articles
Building a Comprehensive Treatment Plan for PsA

Treatment Plan

Building a Comprehensive Treatment Plan for PsA
Managing psoriatic arthritis requires comprehensive treatment plan, not just medication.
Read More
Sticking With Your Arthritis Treatment Plan

Treatment Plan

Sticking With Your Arthritis Treatment Plan
Many medications are available to ease symptoms and slow disease progress of autoimmune arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis. Read about some of the medications you may be prescribed and some of the side effects you should know about.
Read More
Making Sense of Your Insurance
Choose the right coverage, reduce costs and minimize claim denials with these helpful tips.
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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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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.

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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!

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Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

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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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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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