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  • About Arthritis
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    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.

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    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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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

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

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

These chronic inflammatory conditions affect the gastrointestinal tract that runs from the mouth to the anus.

Inflammatory bowel disease is the term used to describe two conditions: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These conditions are caused by chronic inflammation in parts of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) that includes the mouth, esophagus (which connects the throat and the stomach), stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus. Crohn’s disease may affect any part of the GI tract but more commonly affects the small intestine. Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects the large intestine and the rectum (a small chamber at the end of the large intestine).

About 1.6 million adults and 80,000 children have IBDs.

IBD-associated arthritis is used to describe types of inflammatory arthritis associated with IBD and include psoriatic arthritis , axial spondyloarthritis and reactive arthritis .

IBDs should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease, although they have some symptoms in common.

Causes

While the exact cause of IBD is unknown, scientists believe that the chronic inflammation is a result of an immune system that doesn’t work properly. It becomes overactive when triggered by an environmental factor and mistakenly attacks the GI tract. People who develop IBDs are more likely to have a family member with one of the conditions.

This points to a genetic component to IBDs.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of CD and UC are:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Abdominal pain/cramping.
  • Bloody stools.
  • Low appetite.
  • Unintended weight loss.
  • Fatigue.

Diagnosis

The doctor will review symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Two procedures are performed: endoscopy (for Crohn’s disease) or colonoscopy (for ulcerative colitis). Imaging tests may also be performed, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or contrast radiography, Sometimes, blood tests or stool samples are done to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Inflammatory bowel diseases are treated with five types of medications:

  • Aminosalicylates. These anti-inflammatory drugs include sulfasalazine, balsalazide, mesalamine, and olsalazine. They are most effective for ulcerative colitis and are given orally or inserted in the rectum.
  • C orticosteroids . These anti-inflammatory drugs include prednisone, prednisolone and budesonide, and are effective for short-term control of flares. They are prescribed for the shortest time due to their side effects
  • Immunomodulators. These anti-inflammatory drugs include azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and methotrexate. They help to modify the disease process and tackle inflammation
  • Biologics and biosimilars . The anti-inflammatory drugs are the newest treatments for IBD. Adalimumab ( Humira ), certolizumab pegol ( Cimzia ), golimumab ( Simponi ) and infliximab ( Remicade ) target an inflammatory protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Ustekinumab ( Stelara ) targets the pro-inflammatory proteins interleukin-12 and interleukin-23. Natalizumab ( Tysabri ) and vedolizumab ( Entyvio ) block certain white blood cells from affecting GI tissues.

All medications come with side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It’s common for people with IBD to get different vaccinations to help prevent infections. Surgical intervention is uncommon these days because of effective medications. But if the diseases are severe, then damaged parts of the GI tract are removed by surgery.

Self Care

What you eat can have a big impact on managing the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, especially fatty fish and fiber-rich foods can ease the stress on the GI tract and digestive system.  Studies show that physical activity also has anti-inflammatory benefits. Managing a chronic disease can also be tough for your emotional health. So, develop a support network of family and friends. Also, look for ways to interact and learn from other people with IBDs through in-person support groups and online communities.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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