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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
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    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.

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    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.

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    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

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    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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    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.

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    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices.

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    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.

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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!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnail Live Yes! INSIGHTS

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

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    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

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Alayna Travaglione: Her Dreams of Studying Abroad Came True

Studying abroad can be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience. The comfort zones you are so used to back home become non-existent as you make your way through an unknown country meeting new people and immersing yourself into different cultures. For a college student with Rheumatoid Arthritis , there are a few extra challenges I have to face and while doing so, I often question if choosing to travel for a semester was the best option for me. As someone who has Arthritis in all of their joints and still undergoing surgical procedures, the idea of being in an unfamiliar place away from my family and doctors was downright scary. What if my joints got worse or something happened with my medications ? What if I decide midway I can’t put my body through this anymore? These questions often swirl around in my head as the activities become difficult or the field trips become too strenuous that I am left lying in bed the next day. When I do ask myself these questions though, I reflect on why I chose to study abroad in the first place.

alayna studies abroad When I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis I was thirteen years old and ready to embark on the journey of high school. Everything I loved to do like playing tennis or going to school became incredibly hard and painful . I had to trade the classroom for a hospital room and I had to trade in my racket for a wheelchair. Instead of going out with my friends from school, I sat in the hospital for IV treatments of chemotherapy with my new friends, the nurses. I saw my entire class advance into the next part of their life while I was stuck in the same spot, a girl with a debilitating illness who could not walk.

At the time, seeing all the things I had missed out on was heartbreaking but it’s the same exact thing that still motivates me to this day that allows me to follow my dreams. Since I had missed out on so much as a teenager, I made a vow to myself to live my life to the fullest and to go after everything I had ever wanted. I was given a look at reality and saw that life is far too short to sit and wait for things to happen. Although my illness is painful and difficult I no longer wanted it to derail me from living my best life.

alayna at Westminster Studying abroad was one of my biggest dreams and I did what I could to make it come true. I focused solely on my health by meeting with my doctors , attending physical therapy , getting surgeries if I needed them and created a plan for myself that would allow me to accomplish this goal. It is true that Arthritis had taken control of my body but after all I had been through, who was I to not even try to take control of my life back.

I managed to study abroad twice, once over the summer in Oxford, England and the other, where I am now, in Sorrento, Italy. Both experiences have had its challenges but with an illness, there’s always a challenge to show us how strong we truly are. I knew that my Arthritis wasn’t going to magically go away abroad or that I wouldn’t be running on the beach like the others. I have to manage my illness the same as I do at home. The most important thing to recognize though is that I did it. I am here enjoying the world and making amazing memories and milestones. It is unbelievable to say that months ago I was bedridden from surgery and now, I am traveling all over Europe.

alayna travels abroad Arthritis may have taken away my childhood but I refuse to let it take away anything else. If you suffer from Arthritis, reflect on your own journey and realize that everything you’ve ever wanted to do is still in your grasp! We might not be able to do it as perfectly as everyone else, but just the fact we are fighting through it and living our lives the best we can is even more rewarding.

Alayna Travaglione, participant and fundraiser for Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run


Related Resources:



  • 8 Tips for Pain-free Travel

  • Patient Partner’s Words of Wisdom About Living With RA

  • Holiday Travel Can Be a Pain

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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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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.

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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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