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Arthritis and the Military

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Arthritis Foundation has expanded its support to the more than 1 in 3 military and veteran service members battling doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Find information, tips and resources that can help you take control of arthritis symptoms and challenges.

Early Onset OA
Early Onset OA

Military and veteran service members have high rates of osteoarthritis. Learn why and what’s being done about it.

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Benefits of Mind-Body Therapies
Benefits of Mind-Body Therapies

Learn how these techniques can help military members find relief from mental and physical trauma.

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Connect With Others
Connect With Others

Connect with other military and veteran service members living with arthritis. Join information sessions to improve pain management and quality of life, and participate in fun group activities.

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Find Your Workout
Find Your Workout

Physical activity is the best medicine for arthritis pain as well as mental health. If arthritis interferes with your normal workout, check out these videos for joint-friendly modifications.

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Solutions for Sleeplessness
Solutions for Sleeplessness

Chances are you struggle with insomnia, especially if you have arthritis pain. Learn what a sleep specialist who works with military and veteran service members recommends for better sleep and pain.

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Manage Your Pain
Manage Your Pain

Arthritis pain interferes with daily life in countless ways, preventing people from doing routine tasks and forcing many to give up the things they love. See ways to help control your pain.

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Impact of Arthritis
1 in 3

military veterans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis

#1

cause of disability in the U.S. is arthritis

#2

leading cause of medical discharge from the military

Arthritis and the Military

Webinar: Getting the Best Possible Care

A panel, including veterans and experts in rheumatology, complementary and physical therapy, offers solutions to various care challenges for active and retired military service members and veterans. Learn how to navigate health care access, treatment plans, pain relief options and more.

Easing Anxiety

Using the Breath to Stress Less

Personal trainer and combat veteran, Dan Hill, discusses how to intentionally use the breath to dial down stress and anxiety.

Be Kind to Yourself

Encouragement to Have Courage

Reflecting on his own journey with arthritis, retired Army SFC Farron Dozier offers encouraging words to fellow service members struggling with joint pain.

Help & Support

Help for Military Personnel

An Air Force veteran encourages other vets and service members with arthritis to get support in our virtual Connect Group focused on the military.

Read Donna’s Story
Don’t Give Up, We’ve Got Your Back

This retired combat medic says military personnel with arthritis can find helpful resources and connect with others to share tips and confide in.

Watch Krendra’s Video
Connect Face to Face Where You Live

Get encouraged and make living with arthritis easier through a Live Yes! Connect Group.
Arthritis Foundation Helpline

Our experienced Helpline team understands RA and is here to answer your questions. Call or email us for help in English or Spanish.
VA Resources

Learn More About VA Health Care

Find out how to apply for and manage the health care benefits you've earned. You can access veterans health services and get medical equipment, prosthetics and prescriptions.

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Advocating for Service Members with Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation advocates for funding and research on arthritis in the military. Learn more about this work and how to urge your legislators to support this vital funding.

Share Your Story
Action Center

Change the Future Now

It takes just a few minutes to participate in our INSIGHTS study, which is helping shape arthritis research, resources and the kind of support that matters most to you. Do it for yourself and others.

Take the Survey

Pain Management App

What chronic pain takes away, Vim gives back. This free, handy app will help you set achievable goals, obtain helpful resources and connect with others who listen and support you.

Download the Vim App

Partnership With VA

Military service members are more prone to develop arthritis than civilians. The Arthritis Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs have teamed up to offer even more support.

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Sign Up for Updates

You have much to gain by staying on top of the latest information, tips and resources offered by the Arthritis Foundation and our community. Learn about upcoming webinars, new e-books and podcasts, medical breakthroughs and more. Be in the know and live your best Yes.

 
Building a Personal Pain Plan

Building a Personal Pain Plan

In this episode, learn how to create a realistic pain management plan that factors in what you’ve experienced in the military and things you’ve encountered along the way.

Listen Now
Building a Personal Pain Plan

Pain is incredibly complex and difficult to live with. What’s most important is finding ways to live the life that you love. If there are things you want to change, start very small and set yourself up for success.

Podcast guest Rachel Aaron, MA, PhD
FB Live: Men in Chronic Pain

Overcoming Stigmas and Finding Solutions

Society says men should be tough. But when you live with chronic pain, how do you overcome the stigma? In this live session, a panel of patients and experts share tips on finding solutions for arthritis and how to overcome harmful stereotypes so you can better manage your pain.

I Want to Contribute
I Need Help
  • 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

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

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