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Arthritis Community Resources
Living with chronic pain can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. People who haven’t experienced chronic pain don’t always understand the struggles associated with it. With so many different types of pain, from arthritis to back pain, our page is a resource for community and support as we learn more.
Arthritis
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The Arthritis Foundation Helpline
Arthritis Helpline InfoThe Arthritis Foundation's Helpline consists of a team of trained staff, including a licensed, clinical social worker. Their helpline representatives are knowledgeable about arthritis and can provide support. They have a translation service that provides advice in 250+ languages.
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The Arthritis Foundation
See WebsiteThe Arthritis Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to addressing the needs of people living with Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Childhood Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, and Lupus in the United States. There are resources addressing diet, movement, emotional, relationships in regards to living with arthritis well.
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Live Yes! Arthritis Communities
See WebsiteGroups for people living with Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Childhood Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Gout and Lupus are available both virtually and in person. These groups bring people together for fun social and informative educational events and activities focused on mutual support and positive coping strategies for living well.
Additional Arthritis Resources
About Arthritis
What Is Arthritis? Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, including the hip, knee and shoulder, as well as the hands and feet. Arthritis can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Understanding arthritis can help you manage it better and feel healthier.
There are several types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Each type of arthritis is unique, so it is important to understand the differences between them.
Here are great resources to learn more:
American Autoimmune Related Disease Association
American College of Rheumatology
Research and Treatments
Arthritis Foundation
If you're dealing with any form of arthritis or related diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or psoriatic arthritis, among the hundred others, there are medications out there that can assist you. These medications can help alleviate symptoms, decelerate the disease, and enable you to live a fulfilling and active life. Certain illnesses related to arthritis, such as fibromyalgia, gout, and osteoporosis, have specific medications intended to treat them.
Tracking Disease in Inflammatory Arthritis
To keep tabs on the activity of inflammatory arthritis, be it rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, your rheumatologist employs a range of tools. These include lab and imaging tests, physical check-ups, and questionnaires. By utilizing these methods, your doctor can closely monitor the disease activity and take the necessary measures to ensure your well-being.
Podcasts
Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast
The Arthritis Foundation came up with a unique podcast that is specifically designed for patients and hosted by them. The podcast covers various topics ranging from nutrition, movement, disease management, emotional wellbeing, and juvinile arthritis.
Sheryl aims to spread awareness about chronic illnesses from different viewpoints. Each patient and illness is unique in how they experience pain, so there's no one-size-fits-all solution to managing symptoms. Her podcast provides a wide range of helpful topics related to living well with chronic pain.
Community Connection
An Open Forum for those with Rheumatoid Arthritis or those with Loved ones with R.A.
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Women With Autoimmune Diseases
A support group for parents who have a chronic illness (of any kind).
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My RA Team
Join the largest social network for those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Bloggers
BLOGGERS
Chronic Eileen
Blogger Eileen Davidson was diagnosed with RA, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia over a period of two and a half years in her late twenties. She started writing her blog, Chronic Eileen, in June 2017 as a way to cope with her conditions, as well as her progressing anxiety and depression. Eileen also uses her blog to share her experience as a mother with a chronic illness and provide parenting advice.
Jennifer Mulder is a Dutch psychologist and a chronic pain expert that provides incredible blogs with a wide range of subjects related to wellness with chronic pain. Some examples of blogs are:
• How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office When You Have Chronic Pain
• 24 Ideas to Connect with Your Partner When One of You is Chronically Ill
• Rewild Your Chronic Life: 10 Ways to Live in Tune with Nature When You’re Sick
Books & Media
How I Got My Wiggle Back: A Memoir Of Healing by Anthony Field
Anthony Field, famously known as the "blue" Wiggle, shares a moving account of his personal struggles with depression, severe sickness, and constant pain. Through sheer determination, he managed to overcome these challenges and reclaim his life.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Tammi L. Shlotzhauer, M.D. and James L. McGuire, M.D. have written a book that addresses the concerns of arthritis patients and their loved ones. The authors provide comprehensive information about the latest treatment methods, as well as tips for managing the pain and symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The book also delves into the science behind the disease and offers emotional support for coping with it. By reading this book, people with arthritis can learn how to live a normal life and take positive steps towards that goal. The tone of the book is friendly and approachable, making it easy to understand and apply the information provided.
Symptom Checker
The Arthritis Hub Society Canada
Knowing is always better. It is crucial to detect and treat arthritis at an early stage to reduce joint damage. If you suspect that your pain is caused by arthritis, we recommend you to take a look at our Symptom Checker. It's not just about gaining knowledge; it's also about taking action to minimize its impact.