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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.

    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.

    • 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
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    • 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.

    Get Your JA Power Pack

    Newly diagnosed with JA and wanting to learn more? Power Packs have the tools you need to find Yes! for you and your child.

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • 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
    • 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
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    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
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  • 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! 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.

    Jingle Bell Run

    The original festive race for charity and signature Foundation holiday event! Wear your favorite holiday attire and together, we’ll jingle all the way to a cure! Register as an individual or bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run, walk or stroll, and spread the good cheer. 

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Back

Vim Champion: Tiffany Coffman

As an arthritis patient and longtime Arthritis Foundation volunteer, Tiffany has found ways to give back — and to encourage others. She also recommends trying the new Vim app.

By Tiffany Coffman, Denver, Colorado

I’ve raised two children with arthritis and battle four kinds of the disease myself. I take 36 pills a day, from my prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to over-the-counter pain meds. Honestly, it’s been tough at times, but we’ve gotten through it all, thanks in large part to the many friends we’ve made in the arthritis community over the past 15 years. I became a passionate volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation because I wanted to give back and help others, like we were helped.

As part of a community of 54 million warriors, we can each do something to fight arthritis by giving what we can — whether that’s volunteering, advocating or making a tax-deductible donation. On World Arthritis Day, we can share hope with each person living with pain.

My family’s arthritis journey

My pain began when I was in high school. I was super active in soccer, marching band and coaching sports at the YMCA. All of that came to a screeching halt when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I hurt all over, especially in my feet, ankles, wrists and fingers. Since then, I’ve also been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and Sjögren’s syndrome, all of which are arthritis-related conditions. Soon I will have a bone-scan for osteoporosis, which will be a whole new ballgame.

Arthritis has also affected my children. My son, Christopher, who’s now 17 and a high school senior, had symptoms at birth. I took him to the doctor when he was 18 months old to find out why he wasn’t walking. A year later, he was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA).

A few years after that, my daughter, Brittany, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at age 15. Who would have thought it can affect the reproductive system? We learned about that from the Arthritis Foundation, as well as alternatives we could explore when my daughter, now 27 and married, couldn’t conceive. I’m thrilled to become a first-time grandma of my adorable new grandson, whom they recently adopted.

I love kids.

Over the years, we’ve participated in Arthritis Foundation JA camps, JA family days and the National JA Conference, which were so informative and inspiring to our whole family as my children grew up. Besides my involvement in those, I became a leader and moderator for Live Yes! Connect Groups for JA parents, which we’ve held virtually during the pandemic. My family has also been active in our local Walk to Cure Arthritis.

I volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation’s Helpline, too, when questions come up about JA. I feel the best way to help is to listen and show compassion for what someone believes is their most difficult situation ever. I have learned to be more compassionate. Everyone has an issue, so we make the best with what we have.

I love my job, and I love kids, which is why I’ve run my own daycare center from home for several years. But watching 10 kids a day can be challenging at times. To keep up and keep me going, I’ve been using the Arthritis Foundation’s new Vim app. It’s part of the Foundation’s overall focus on managing chronic pain, which I also love.

The Vim app can help change your life.

The free Vim app has so many benefits. I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s easy to use, which is great for someone technology-challenged like me!

  • In Vim, I get asked what my pain level is every day — a question I don’t usually get asked except at my doctor’s appointments. So, I get to monitor my pain over a period of time, see what’s triggering my symptoms when, and maybe make adjustments so I’m in greater control.

  • I have used everything — the app’s diet tips, info about yoga, meditation, self-reflection, breathing, different supplements you can use and more. It’s all there.

  • You can set your own short-term goals and keep track of how you’re doing. Like walk to the end of the block three times a week. Get in the car and take a ride twice a week. Reach out to a friend for moral support. Just give it time and practice.

  • The encouragement I get from others in the arthritis community is unbelievably motivating. Besides seeing people cheer me on, I can help others if they’re having a bad day. We’re all in this together.

  •  

With Vim, you can take back what chronic pain has taken away. Give it a try. I whole-heartedly recommend it!

The invaluable support and resources that have made such a big difference in Tiffany’s life are made possible thanks to friends like you. You can power more life-changing research, support and tools by making a donation today.
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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.

  • 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 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.

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 Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

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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