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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 is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
Arthritis Foundation Logo
  • 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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Back

Help Elevate the Gravity of Arthritis During Pain Awareness Month

Arthritis is painful … and r elentless . No one knows that better than those who suffer from it. Perhaps that’s you or someone you love.

An Arthritis Foundation survey shows that:

  • The #1 goal of arthritis treatment is to “reduce pain.”

  • The #1 motivator for seeking out information is “I experienced pain.”


For many, pain isn’t easy to talk about, especially during a flare. Not only does arthritis cause physical pain, but the mental and emotional pain that often goes with it can take a heavy toll, too.

Unfortunately, most people don’t realize the seriousness of arthritis. Or even know it’s an authentic disease (in fact, it’s a family of diseases comprising more than 100 types).

Another survey shows that fewer than 1 in 10 people (7%) know that arthritis is the #1 cause of long-term disability in the U.S., and an estimated 172 million workdays are lost annually due to arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

Arthritis needs to come out of the shadows so that more people understand what it is and how it affects those who live with it. And what needs to happen to change the future of arthritis … and cure it.

September is National Pain Awareness Month. A time to bring chronic pain, whatever causes it, to the world’s attention. Chronic pain is epidemic worldwide. Arthritis is a major culprit, affecting over 54 million Americans and untold millions more around the globe. Conquering arthritis is a cause more people need to support because of its far-reaching impact.

Here are a few ways to do more, for yourself and others in your community:

Connect With Others & Grow the Movement

If you live with the pain of arthritis, or you care about someone who does, you can do a lot of good by connecting with others. Connecting is the first step. Share your story and help someone else. Let others help you.

It’s free to join the Live Yes! Online Community. You’ll find forums for whatever topic is on your mind. Join a conversation or start your own. Get your questions answered by arthritis health care experts. Register now.

If you want to meet face to face with others in your local community, check out Live Yes! Connect Groups. If there isn’t a group nearby, you can start one.

The Live Yes! Arthritis Network is the go-to hub for everything about arthritis. Your participation in Live Yes! Insights helps shape new resources and influence arthritis research and advocacy. Don’t miss out!

Take Control of Arthritis Pain

Take the pain quiz.

Download 45 Ways to Tame Your Pain , a FREE booklet from the experts you trust at the Arthritis Foundation. You'll learn about effective ways to help manage your pain from arthritis and related conditions without a prescription. They range from lifestyle measures to techniques, devices, and over-the-counter treatments. Work with your doctor to find the combination that's right for you.

Myths About Arthritis

The pain of arthritis robs many people of the simple joys of life, like lifting and embracing a child. It prevents doing everyday tasks, like getting dressed, preparing meals, running errands. Or fun things like playing your favorite sport or a musical instrument, because you can barely move.

There are many misperceptions about arthritis. Here are just two:

  • Most people believe arthritis is an “old people’s condition.” In reality, two-thirds of those with arthritis are under 65 . One in three Americans 18-64 years old has arthritis, which can develop at any age. Most people don’t know that nearly 300,000 children suffer from juvenile arthritis pain, which makes growing up even harder.

  • For both children and adults, the pain of arthritis can be as devastating on an emotional level as it is physically. It often leads to feelings of depression and isolation. Arthritis contributes to other serious health issues, like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Learn more about the many types of arthritis and the tools and resources you can use to life your best life.


Move the Arthritis Movement Ahead

Arthritis treatments have improved greatly over the past few decades. Today, with your help, the Arthritis Foundation is accelerating new breakthroughs and amplifying the voices of people with arthritis, demanding policymakers to put more money into arthritis research and make health care more accessible and affordable. Your involvement is crucial to achieving even more.

Help make arthritis and its consequences more visible so it’s not a forgotten epidemic.

  • Tell your story. Salute someone you love who’s an Arthritis Warrior. Learn more about your pain, how to better manage it and break the pain chain.


The arthritis community is here for you.

Get Involved
  • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
  • Live Yes! Connect Groups
  • Live Yes! Online Community
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  • Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Helpline: 1.800.283.7800
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  • 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

  • Match Gift
  • Donate a Car
  • 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
  • Ease Of Use Commendation
  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
  • Promotions that Give Back