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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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    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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    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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World Juvenile Arthritis Day: Help Shine a Light on JA

Right now, somewhere nearby, there’s a child who longs to run and play and have the same kind of fun other kids his age are having. Who dreams about being pain-free without having to swallow a cocktail of pills, or feel the sting of injections, or go through hours of infusions at the doctor’s office. A kid who longs for an end to the trial-and-error approach of treating juvenile arthritis (JA) – seeing what works and what doesn’t, often with unpleasant side effects along the way.

Multiply that child by nearly 300,000, and you start to get the picture of how prevalent this little-known childhood disease is in our nation today. That number is about equal to the entire population of St. Louis or Cincinnati.

But juvenile arthritis doesn’t get the same kind of attention some other pediatric illnesses do. Arthritis is typically invisible. It’s stereotyped as “an old person’s disease,” merely an inevitable part of aging that people just have to live with. Yet more kids in the U.S. battle JA than do those with leukemia, juvenile diabetes and cystic fibrosis combined. And it’s a more complicated disease than most people realize.

March 18: World Juvenile Arthritis Day
March 18, 2019, is World Juvenile Arthritis Day. The Arthritis Foundation and CARRA (Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance) have teamed up to shine a light on JA. On this date, we recognize an insidious disease of many types that makes navigating childhood extra challenging for many kids and their families. We think JA needs to be brought out of the shadows through this global observance.

Most people don’t know much, if anything, about JA or other childhood rheumatic illnesses – if they even know this category of diseases exists.

Basic Facts About Childhood Arthritis
No one knows for certain how far-reaching JA may be worldwide. But we do know a lot about its effects.

  • The various types of JA share common symptoms, like pain, joint swelling, redness and warmth; each type is distinct and has its own symptoms and concerns.

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common form of JA. But there are many types of JA and related conditions: lupus, juvenile dermatomyositis, scleroderma, fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis, just to name a few.

  • Some types of JA affect the musculoskeletal system, but joint symptoms may be minor or nonexistent. JA can involve the eyes, skin, gastrointestinal tract and many other organs and systems.

  • A child can develop JA at any age 16 and under, even as early as a year old or younger.

  • Childhood arthritis can make it hard to take part in social and after-school activities – and make schoolwork more difficult.

  • The emotional aspects of JA make many kids feel isolated. Being bullied is common, as are feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth.


Our Commitment to Fighting JA Is Stronger Than Ever
At the Arthritis Foundation, children with arthritis have been at the heart of our work for over seven decades. Today, in partnership with CARRA, our commitment to JA families is even stronger.

  • In 2019, we mark the 35 th anniversary of the Foundation’s National JA Conference. In both Houston and Minneapolis, hundreds of families from across the country will join us in person. Early bird registration is open until April 30, so sign up today.

  • This summer, dozens of JA camps nationwide will boost self-confidence, foster independence and help kids with JA know they are not alone.

    • Watch our new video about JA camps nationwide.

    • See a list of our JA camps and register today!



  • Our joint research with CARRA promises to make personalized medicine for children with JA a reality. Learn more about:

    • How to participate in JA research, in whatever way works best for you.

    • Precision medicine, which is the focus of this Arthritis Foundation-backed research project with CARRA .

    • You can get involved in another important study by checking out our Arthritis Trial Finder.



  • Connect with other parents through the Arthritis Foundation’s Live Yes! Arthritis Network, providing personalized help and support to parents who have a child or teen with a rheumatic disease.

    • Visit online forums to connect with other parents and “Ask the Professionals” doctors who are available to answer questions.

    • Live Yes! Connect Groups for JA Parents offer connections, education and empowerment.



  • Watch our short Conquering Childhood Arthritis video.


You may plan to wear green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We’re starting a new tradition on the day after. Wear green one more day – and help us call more attention to juvenile arthritis and why we need a cure. Kids living with JA deal with it year-round; but by devoting a single day to JA, awareness will spread.

Learn more about JA and other kinds of arthritis – and how the Arthritis Foundation can help YOU, as well as what you can do to help our community. Be part of the solution by giving a generous gift today. This awareness effort is in conjunction with World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day and will be an annual event on March 18. Learn more about the global drive to spread the word that children and young adults get rheumatic diseases, too.



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    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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
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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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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.

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