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About Arthritis
Common Topics
What Is Arthritis?Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.
Inflammation and the Immune SystemBody-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.
Newly Diagnosed With ArthritisA new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.
- Treatments
Common Topics
Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain ManagementLearn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.
Managing Arthritis Care CostsLearn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.
Webinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and SolutionsLearn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.
- Healthy Living
Common Topics
Microbiome, Gut Health & ArthritisMicrobiome, 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.
Stairs Workout DemoStrengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.
Arthritis and Mental HealthLearn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.
- Juvenile Arthritis
Common Topics
JA ConferenceLearn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.
JA CampsThe Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.
- Professionals
Common Topics
Transforming Clinical InteractionsThe 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 ArthritisThe Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices.
FellowshipsSee how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.
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Science
Common Topics
OACS Forum SeriesThe 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.
Conquering Childhood ArthritisThe 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.
- Get Involved
Common Topics
Action CenterTake 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!
Live Yes! INSIGHTSShare your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.
Live Yes! PodcastYou may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.
Information about symptoms, health and lifestyle habits will help determine the type of arthritis you have.
It’s not unusual to have aches and pains occasionally. When pain doesn’t subside on its own after a day or two, interferes with everyday activities or steadily gets worse, it is time to see a doctor.
To determine if joint pain and other symptoms are caused by arthritis or a related condition, your doctor will gather information. Here are the types of questions to expect.
During the medical history, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, general health, family history and habits to better evaluate your situation. Here are some of the topics you will cover:
Symptoms
• What symptoms are you experiencing?
•
How
long have you experienced the symptoms?
• What joints are affected – are they swollen, red, tender or warm to touch?
• Did the symptoms begin suddenly or come on gradually?
• Are your symptoms worse after activity or rest?
• Do the symptoms occur in the morning or evening or do you experience them throughout the day?
• What, if anything, provides some relief from the pain?
General Health
• Have you been ill recently?
• What medications-- prescription or over-the-counter -- do you take?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a chronic or autoimmune disease?
• Have you had any injuries to the affected joints?
• Do you work in a job requiring long hours of standing or sitting, frequent kneeling or repetitive motion?
• Have you
recently lived in an area where fungal infections are common?
Family History
Your doctor will ask you about the medical history of your family members, such as does anyone have
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic conditions
• Anxiety or depression
Habits
• Do you smoke or do drugs?
•
How much exercise do you get on a daily basis?
• What types of food do you eat?
• How well do you sleep?
• Do you have a lot of stress in your life?
Physical Exam
Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam. In addition to the usual steps – taking your temperature, feeling for swollen glands, looking in your eyes and down the throat, listening to your heart and checking your blood pressure – your doctor will also look at your affected joints for visible signs of swelling or redness. She may move the joints to see range of motion and check for tender areas in or around the joints.
If you are experiencing back pain, your doctor will check for an abnormal curve in your spine. He might also ask you to stand and walk to see how you walk to whether pain affects the way you walk.
Depending upon the results of the medical history and physical exam, your doctor may order tests.
Imaging Tests
X-rays are the most frequent imaging test, but sometimes ultrasound or MRI are used. Your doctor will be looking for inflammation, erosion or other signs of joint distress.
Nerve Tests
Your doctor may request an electrodiagnostic study or nerve test to determine if the electrical activity in the nerves has been disrupted.
Blood, Fluid and Tissue Tests
Blood tests are not needed to diagnose all types of arthritis, but they help to confirm or exclude some forms of inflammatory arthritis. Your doctor may also draw joint fluid or do a skin or muscle biopsy to help diagnose certain forms of arthritis.
Making an arthritis diagnosis may take some time. It may involve a primary care doctor, a rheumatologist, a pain specialist and an orthopaedist. They are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions and some conditions have similar symptoms. You may need to take several different tests and be patient during the process.
Been diagnosed with arthritis?
You're not alone. Our team of experts has answers to your questions in this latest e-Book.
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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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Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.
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Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.
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Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis.
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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.
Volunteer
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.