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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.
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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.

      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.

      Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

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

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      See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

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      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.

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      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!

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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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    Back

    When Back Pain May Mean Arthritis

    Many forms of arthritis and related conditions can cause back pain, stiffness and swelling.

    About 80% of back pain is acute and usually lasts one to seven days. Otherwise, it’s considered chronic and may be caused by arthritis. The lower back is the most common site of arthritis back pain. Several types of arthritis are part of a group of conditions called spondylarthropathies (meaning spinal arthritis). Spondylarthropathies can affect adults and children.

    If you are experiencing pain, swelling and stiffness in the back, you may have one of the following types of arthritis or related conditions.

    Axial Spondyloarthritis

    Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects hip joints and the joint that connects the bone at the bottom of the spine to the pelvis (sacroiliac joint).

    There are two types of axSpA: Radiographic axSpA (also called ankylosing spondylitis or AS) includes damage to the sacroiliac joints and spine that can be seen on X-rays, and nonradiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) does not include damage you can see on X-rays but it may show up on magnetic resonance images (MRIs).

    Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Previously known as “wear and tear” arthritis, OA is a progressive disease of the joint. It leads to breakdown of the cartilage, which cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints. Eventually the bones may begin to rub together, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. In spine OA , the loss of cartilage affects the facet joints, where the vertebrae join. As a result, movement of the bones can cause irritation, further damage and the formation of bony growths called spurs. These bone spurs can press on nerves, causing pain.

    Psoriatic Arthritis

    Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects joints and usually the skin (psoriasis). For about 20% of people with PsA, the disease involves the spine (axial arthritis). In some cases, bony overgrowth can cause two or more vertebrae to grow together (fuse), causing stiffness.

    Reactive Arthritis

    Reactive arthritis often occurs after the genital, urinary or gastrointestinal system gets infected. This condition may cause inflammation of the joints, eyes as well the intestines, kidneys or bladder. The sacroiliac joint can be affected.

    Enteropathic Arthritis

    This form of arthritis occurs in about 5% of people with inflammatory bowel disease, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It commonly affects the sacroiliac joint causing lower back pain.

    Spinal Stenosis

    Spinal stenosis is caused by bony overgrowth of the vertebrae and thickening of the ligaments. It tends to occur along with osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. The overgrowth can cause the spinal column to narrow and press on its nerves. Because the affected nerves have many functions, the condition may cause many lower body problems, including back pain, pain or numbness in the legs and bowel problems.

    Other arthritis-related conditions that may cause back pain include polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) , fibromyalgia and Paget’s Bone Disease .

    Getting a Proper Diagnosis

    Other common sources of back pain include muscle spasms, muscle fracture, abnormal curving of the spine (scoliosis), an inflamed sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body that runs from the lower part of the spinal cord through the buttock and down the back of the leg) or an injury to a disk (shock absorber) in the back.

    Arthritis is difficult to self-diagnose. Talk with your primary care doctor as soon as possible about your symptoms. You may be referred to a rheumatologist or orthopedist to get an accurate diagnosis so you can get the medical care you need. Left undiagnosed and untreated, your condition may worsen and cause disability.

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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.

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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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