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Rx for Access
Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
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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
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wrist What Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbes Inflammation 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 nurse Newly 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
    Woman holding shoulder Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bed Webinar: 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
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomach Microbiome, 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.

    man exercising Stairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling another Arthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    2023 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
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Professionals
    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 knee Conquering 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
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    Capital hill Action 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!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnail Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

    woman listening to podcast Live Yes! 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.

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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11 Common Exercise Hurdles to Overcome

Take a look at these tips to help start and maintain an exercise program to manage arthritis symptoms.

1. 11 Common Exercise Hurdles to Overcome
Exercise plays an important role in managing arthritis symptoms. But it may be hard to start or maintain an exercise program. Our experts explain how to overcome 11 common hurdles – from pain or exhaustion to boredom. Make sure to talk to your doctor before getting started.
2. “I have no time to work out.”
With your fast-paced life, you hardly have time for a trip to the gym. But research shows that you don’t need a lot of time. A study published in Arthritis Research and Therapy showed that women who exercised 75 minutes a week ­– that’s about 11 minutes a day – were less likely to experience stiff, achy joints than their sedentary counterparts. “Do a few laps around the shopping center while you’re running errands,” suggests Tony Wanich, MD, a sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon in New York City.
3. “I’m in too much pain.”
When you’re already hurting, it’s difficult to find the motivation to move. But mild activity can help ease the ache, says Megan Murphy, a physical therapist in Denver. Choose a low-impact activity such as water exercise, “since the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off of painful joints,” says Dr. Wanich. But before you dive in, start with a warm-up to prep the muscles.
4. “It’s hard to stick to a program.”
In a study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity , people with knee osteoarthritis who paired up with a partner stuck to a workout plan for longer than those who did it alone. “Exercising with another person keeps you accountable, so you’re less likely to skip a session,” says Mary Edwards, fitness director at Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas.
5. “I’m too exhausted.”
Although it sounds contradictory, exercise can put more fuel in your tank. A study published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics showed that inactive adults who started riding a stationary bike for 25 minutes three days a week experienced a 20% jump in their energy level after about two months. “Physical activity increases circulation throughout the body,” explains Lillie Rosenthal, DO, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist in New York City.
6. “I’m not trying to slim down.”
There’s more to exercise than simply losing weight. “Exercise strengthens the muscles and ligaments around the joint, so there’s less pressure,” says Lauren Smith, a physical therapist with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. You’ll experience better range of motion and less achiness, making it easier to climb stairs, get dressed and take out the trash. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that people with knee osteoarthritis who participated in strength training program for four months experienced a 43% decrease in pain.
7. “I’m too self-conscious.”
Feeling embarrassed or intimidated is common barrier to exercise according to a survey published in the Journal of Nutrition Behavior and Education . “If you feel out-of-place in your current gym, consider switching to another one,” says Edwards. If you’re making a switch, she suggests touring health clubs at the time you plan to work out and talk to staff and clientele so you get to know the environment.
8. “Joining a gym costs too much money.”
A survey from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association showed that 59% of non-gym members say that fees are the main reason they haven’t signed up. But experts agree that you don’t have to belong to a gym to get a good workout. “Walking is free,” says Edwards, “and creating a home gym can cost less than $100.”
9. “I’m not seeing results.”
It’s natural for the progress of an exercise program to gradually slow with time. “Your muscles eventually adjust to this new level of activity,” says Dr. Rosenthal. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that women who did an hour of intervals on a stationary bike – four minutes of sprints, followed by two minutes of recovery – burned 36%  more fat than those who maintained a steady pace. To jumpstart your walk routine alternate a few minutes of brisk pace with your normal moderate stride.
10. “I don’t know where to begin!”
If it’s been a while since you last laced up your sneakers, you may need a refresher course from a certified personal trainer. “Learning the proper form and technique is important for preventing injury,” says Rick Schultz, MD, the chief of surgery in orthopedics at Scott & White Healthcare in Round Rock, Texas. Choose a find fitness professional who has experience working with people who have arthritis.
11. “I’ll start tomorrow.”
You woke up with every intention of hitting the gym. But after your day got busy, you decided to put it off until tomorrow. Sound familiar? To snap out of the procrastination cycle, make a plan. “At the start of each week, schedule your workouts into your calendar with reminders,” suggests Dr. Rosenthal. “Make walking or exercise dates with friends, so you won’t back out.”
12. “It’s hard to stay motivated.”
According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine , employees spent less time on the couch and more time exercising when they were offered cash incentives for healthy behaviors. So give yourself healthy rewards, like new music or clothes for your workouts to help inspire you to get and keep moving.
13. Ready to get started?
If you’re having trouble getting started, check out our Walk With Ease program. Also, find DVDs at the Arthritis Foundation store , and find tips and modifications for numerous activities with Your Exercise Solution tool .
Physical Activity
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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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    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

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    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.

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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 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

  • Match Gift
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  • 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
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Do it Yourself Fundraising
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

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

  • Partner with Us
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  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
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