Tell us about the things you’ve had to say No to because of arthritis, and what you’ve done to overcome those challenges and turn them into moments of Yes.
Gout and OA—What’s the Connection?
A swollen, stiff knee might immediately lead you to suspect you have osteoarthritis (OA), but the culprit could also be gout. Like many close relatives, the two conditions share common features. And because they often occur together, you might wonder which one is causing your symptoms. “It’s definitely possible for people to have both conditions at the same time. They’re the two most common types of arthritis,” says Svetlana Krasnokutsky, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at NYU Langone Health. “They can affect the same joints.” OA is a degenerative disease that gradually breaks down the cartilage that ...more
Use Music to Get You Through Pain
When you need a pick-me-up, help relaxing after a hard day or even a distraction from pain while working on a project, turn on some music. Music activates your limbic system, the “emotional brain,” which controls emotions, memories and the senses. Music triggers the release of chemicals that can influence your sleep cycles, moods and other factors that contribute to a range of physical and emotional benefits. Research suggests music may be especially beneficial for people with osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, according to a review of several studies published in 2015 in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. Studies showed improvements in stress, depression, ...more
Answering Your Questions About the Latest Administration Actions on Health Care
On Thursday, October 12, 2017, the Administration took two actions on health care that could affect coverage for people who have health insurance through the exchanges. President Trump signed an executive order that opens the door for the expansion of association health plans, which aren’t subject to the same level of patient protections as required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Second, the Administration announced the discontinuation of cost-sharing reduction payments, which are payments to health insurers that help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low income people who purchase insurance on the health exchanges. Read on to learn more about the Administration’s actions ...more
Voices: Are You Grateful for Your Arthritis?
We know, it sounds like a crazy question. But some people say they’ve found unexpected reasons to actually be grateful for their diagnosis. Here’s what three bloggers wrote. Nan Hart https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/author/nmhart14/ “It Has Made My Life More Purposeful” Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for over 20 years has afforded me some interesting – and yes, even positive – elements that I am indeed thankful for. One of those is living in the moment. RA is a chaotic and unpredictable disease, often with flares striking with no notice and bringing my life to a grinding halt. Because of that, each morning that I wake up ...more
October 12 is World Arthritis Day
Help raise awareness about arthritis during #WorldArthritisDay! Since 1996, World Arthritis Day on October 12th has unified people of all ages, races, and genders to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). On this day, we strive to raise awareness and share information and support with RMD patients and their caregivers. This year's theme, "Don't Delay, Connect Today," initiated by EULAR, aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of RMDs. Together, we can work together towards earlier diagnosis and timely access to care! As the Champion of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation moves forward every day in ways to improve ...more
Researchers on the Path to a Cure – Spotlight on Dr. Nora Singer
As an organization, we have always supported and encouraged the active involvement of patients in their own care. Patient perspectives matter greatly when it comes to decisions being made about health care. Their voices are vital in the clinical research process as new medications are being developed and tested. Patient perspectives play a large role in Dr. Nora Singer’s 3-year Arthritis Foundation-funded project - “Cell-based therapy in systemic onset JIA (sJIA) refractory to conventional “c” and biological “b” DMARDs”. Her project uses stem cells derived from adult cells that are designed to “reset” the immune system. The study will compare the ...more
RA & Vaccinations
Keeping up with your vaccinations is always a smart move, but getting immunized is especially important when you have an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both RA and the medicines you take to treat it can increase your risk for infections. When Joan Wilkinson’s RA flared, her rheumatologist insisted that she and her husband get pneumonia and shingles vaccines to protect her from these common infections. “He said, ‘When you leave here today, go straight to the pharmacist,’” she recalls. “Since immune system function can be suppressed by RA and the medications used to control RA, any disease that is usually ...more
Kate Wingate, Jingle Bell Run National Youth Honoree
From Kate Wingate My name is Kate Wingate and I’m from Greensboro, North Carolina. On the outside, I look like a normal 13-year-old girl, but I have juvenile arthritis (JA). Arthritis is a disease that doesn’t present in a way that you might think, and unless I’m having a flare, no one would ever know. I’ve had JA since I was 18-months-old, so I can’t remember what it feels like to not have pain in my joints. I’ve been involved with the Arthritis Foundation since I was 9, and it has completely changed my life. It has allowed me to meet ...more