Support & Resources for Inflamatory Arthritis
by Editor, updated 8/2020
Inflammatory arthritis is complex, and often misunderstood. If you’ve been diagnosed, you may be experiencing physical pain in addition to a variety of emotions. As you learn to navigate life with a chronic condition, you’ll need two critical things: information and support.
Information About Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory conditions manifest in different ways for different people. Those who suffer will experience a wide range of symptoms and unique patterns of flares. Because no two cases are identical, there is a diverse body of information about these conditions, including some myths and misperceptions. It’s important to educate yourself in order to be an empowered, proactive participant in your own healthcare. Look for information that is current, credible, and referenced from the peer-reviewed scientific literature. We hope TheArthritisConnection will meet your needs.
Support for Patients
These conditions can be lonely and isolating. Those who have not experienced a diagnosis simply cannot understand. It’s important to seek support from others in your situation. People who have been living with these conditions can provide invaluable emotional support as well as practical tips and resources. Find a community you can lean on. It really does take a village.
There are many resources available to you. The following list contains resources where individuals impacted by a diagnosis can access current information, share their experiences and both get and give emotional support.
Online Communities
TheArthritisConnection
TheArthritisConnection provides comprehensive information, community, connection, and support for individuals with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
RA Connect
The Arthritis Foundation RA Connect Forum allows you to connect with others, ask questions, and find support.
Advocacy & Support
American Autoimmune-Related Diseases Association, Inc.
American College of Rheumatology
The ACR is a non-profit organization for rheumatologists and health professionals. They develop treatment guidelines for RA and focus on education, research, advocacy, and practice support.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
NIAMS supports research, training, and education about various forms of arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation offers information and tools to help people live a better life with arthritis.
TheArthritisConnection
TheArthritisConnection provides comprehensive information, community, connection, and support for individuals with RA.
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Assistive Devices
Aids for Arthritis
Aids for Arthritis provides a variety of assistive devices for people living with RA.
Oxo
Oxo designs innovative consumer products that make everyday living easier. These easy-to-use kitchen gadgets and tools can make living with RA easier.
Clinical Trials
www.clinicaltrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world.
Financial Issues
Angel Flight
Angel Flight America helps people in need seeking free air transportation to specialized healthcare facilities.
NeedyMeds
A site to learn about patient assistance programs and other programs designed to help those who cant afford their medicines.
Medicare
Official U.S. government site for people with Medicare.
Patient Advocate Foundation
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is a national 501 (c)(3) non-profit case management service that assures access to care, maintenance of employment, and preservation of financial stability for Americans with chronic, life-threatening, and debilitating illnesses.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Provides a listing of pharmaceutical programs that provide drugs to physicians whose patients could not otherwise afford them.
Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program provides co-payment assistance for prescription drugs to insured Americans who financially and medically qualify. Services are provided through CPR call counselors, and payments are made to the designated payee upon approval.
Complementary & Alternative Therapies
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.
