skip to main content

ES

Arthritis and the Military

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.

Continuing to Serve

The Mission Is the Message: No One Left Behind

Arthritis Foundation advocate and Commissioner of Veterans Services for the City of Boston Robert Santiago assures fellow veterans and all those affected by arthritis that they are not alone, and urges us all to become a part of the Foundation’s mission.

Watch Now

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 Series

Webinar: The Mental Health-Pain Connection

Learn how mental health can impact chronic pain, specific to your experiences as a military service member or veteran. Get advice to improve emotional well-being and pain from renowned psychologist, Dr. Terry Keane, Director of the National Center for PTSD, and a panel of retired military members who live with arthritis.

Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

Tips to Break the Sleep-Pain Cycle

Increased pain can cause poor sleep and vice versa. But there are ways to reclaim your power get a better night’s rest. Experts in OT, PT, and pain management discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

Live Yes! Arthritis Podcast

Battling Back: Veterans & Arthritis

Active and retired service members develop arthritis more often, at younger ages and sometimes more seriously than the general public. In this podcast, you’ll find out why, the mental and physical impacts it can have, as well as some ways to cope.

Listen Now
Battling Back: Veterans & Arthritis
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.

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.

Action Center

Watch a Webinar

Webinars are led by experts who are committed to keeping you informed about arthritis, including treatment options, solutions to everyday challenges and ways to live your best life.

Find a Webinar

Take Control with Expert Advice

Arthritis can make your head spin. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Get tips to help you take control of arthritis and put your mind at ease.

Get Tips

Connect with Others

Virtual and in-person groups offer a place of understanding and encouragement for people living with arthritis and their loved ones, focusing on mutual support and positive coping strategies.

Find a Group
Engagement Widget

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.