Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a sampling of the most common types of questions people ask us. They make another great way to get your information and to start your journey on our site.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please send a question to an Arthritis Answers information specialist for more information.
Arthritis and Related Diseases
Q: I've just been diagnosed with a type of arthritis. What is it? How is it treated?
A: Read about all the forms of arthritis in our disease center. You can also order longer brochures on the topic.
Q: My child recently was diagnosed with arthritis. What do I need to know?
A: There are many resources available through the Arthritis Foundation to help you and your child. A great place to begin is our Getting Started, compilations of links that will take you to the major information areas most relevant to you. You also can find information in the juvenile arthritis section for parents. Finally, visit our store to find a variety of books and free brochures
Q: If my father and mother had arthritis, does that mean I'll get it?
A: While researchers suspect that some forms of arthritis have genetic links that does not necessarily mean that you will develop it. There are other "triggers" that can lead to someone having arthritis and many forms of arthritis are not fully understood as to what their causes may be.
Q: My doctor has recommended surgery for my arthritis. What do I need to know?
A: For some people, joint replacement and other types of surgery can provide significant pain relief and restore physical function. Your physician can help you find a qualified surgeon in your area who can do the procedures, and may be able to provide names of other people who have had the surgery with whom you can speak. The Arthritis Foundation provides free information about what to expect from your surgery, the rehabilitation process and how to prepare for surgery. You can find it in our store.
Q: Where is the best place to live if I have arthritis?
A: Some people with arthritis feel better in a warm, dry climate. For people with arthritis, life can be easier in a warm climate, because they don’t have to struggle with ice and snow. Studies of the effects of weather on people with rheumatoid arthritis are inconclusive. Symptoms may worsen if the barometric pressure goes down and the humidity goes up. And even if the warmer, drier climate helps you feel better, it will not alleviate the disease itself. If you are considering a move to a warmer climate, spending more time than a vacation there will be necessary to assess how your symptoms are affected. Another thing to consider before moving is the effect of moving away from you support system of family and friends, which may outweigh the benefits of the warmer weather.
Q: My disease is not included in your fact sheets or brochures and I want more information. What should I do?
A: If your condition is uncommon, visit the Web site of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (http://www.rarediseases.org), which has an extensive information library.
Arthritis Foundation
Q: What does the Arthritis Foundation do with the money I donate?
A: The Arthritis Foundation is committed to helping the 70 million Americans with arthritis and chronic joint symptoms in many ways. Your support helps us fund research across the country into the causes and treatments of arthritis; create and deliver educational, exercise and emotional support programs; produce free brochures; work on the local, state and national levels to institute new policies that will increase arthritis research funding, improve prescription drug coverage by insurance programs or focus federal public health efforts on arthritis. We also run conferences to bring together the best minds in arthritis treatment and care. Your support makes all of this -- and much more -- possible. You can get more information in our annual reports located in the About the Arthritis Foundation section.
Q: Why can I only get two free brochures per order? What do I do if I want more?
A: Due to rising costs for postage, we have a two-brochure limit per order. You are welcome to revisit this Web site every seven days to place new orders. If you want more right away, contact your local Arthritis Foundation office using our convenient ZIP code Chapter Directory or read the online versions of our more popular brochures.
Q: I am at a university and want to apply for research funds. Who should I call?
A: You can contact our Research Department at (404) 965-7625 for application information.
Q: Can someone from the Arthritis Foundation testify as an expert in a court case?
A: Arthritis Foundation personnel do not testify as experts in court cases or conduct official research for use in court.
Exercise Programs
Q: I want to start an exercise program and I have arthritis. What should I do?
A: First, speak with your doctor to find out which forms of exercise will be best suited to your particular physical condition. Consider developing your exercise program with the help of a physical therapist or personal trainer skilled in working with people who have arthritis. Use our ZIP code Chapter Directory and out if your local Arthritis Foundation chapter has a schedule of warm water exercise programs in your area: they can be a fun, easy, arthritis-friendly way to work out. Finally, visit Your Arthritis Store to get exercise ideas from the Arthritis Foundation's brochures, books, videos and in Arthritis Today magazine.
Q: What is the ideal temperature for warm water exercise programs?
A: 83-88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Financial Aid
Q: Does the Arthritis Foundation give financial help to people who can't afford medicine?
A: While the Arthritis Foundation does not provide funds directly to individuals, we are working with Congress to achieve greater prescription drug coverage by Medicare. Many pharmaceutical companies have programs to provide medicines at reduced cost or free of charge. You can find them through the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (http://www.phrma.org) directory of such programs. Your doctor can also contact the manufacturer to help you determine your eligibility for assistance.
Q: Can the Arthritis Foundation help me pay for assistive devices, such as special equipment to use in my house?
A: There are many programs to help pay for some or all such equipment. The best places to get information are Abledata (http://www.abledata.com), Medicare (http://www.medicare.gov) or your state's Medicaid office.
Local Resources
Q: Is there an Arthritis Foundation office near me? Are there exercise and education programs near my home?
A: The Arthritis Foundation has chapters throughout the country. The easiest way to find the office nearest you is by using our handy ZIP code Chapter Directory. In addition to addresses and phone numbers, you'll find information about programs, fundraising events and local news about people with arthritis.
Q: Do you have names of doctors in my city who treat arthritis?
A: Your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation keeps a referral list of qualified physicians in your area who can treat arthritis. If you live outside the United States, the American College of Rheumatology (http://www.rheumatology.org) maintains an international directory of arthritis specialists.
Q: Where can I find arthritis support groups?
A: You can contact your local office of the Arthritis Foundation by using our ZIP code Chapter Directory and checking the online calendar of programs. You can also visit our Message Boards and use the bulletin boards to exchange messages with other people who share your interests.
Q: Where can I find clinical drug trials I can participate in?
A: The Arthritis Foundation provides funding to more than 300 scientists across the country every year who are primarily focused on basic science and not clinical trials for new medications. There are a number of factors that must be evaluated to determine if you can participate in such clinical studies. Your doctor is your best source of information for local clinical trials taking place. You can also check the Web site of the National Institute Of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Medication
Q: I'm experiencing some side effects from my medication. Is that normal?
A: All drugs, even over-the-counter medications, have potential side effects. You'll find them listed right on the package or on an inserted sheet. You should be familiar with the information, and be aware of the side effects that require immediate medical attention. Your doctor or pharmacist can also provide more specific information about side effects based on your medical history and other medications you may be taking. Please contact your doctor or seek emergency treatment right away if you're experiencing problems.
Q: Will my arthritis medication(s) interact with other medications?
A: There can sometimes be dangerous interactions between medications. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about potential problems. Using your medical history and medication plan, they can quickly determine any potentially harmful interactions. Talk to the pharmacist that usually fills your prescriptions for additional drug information and possible drug interactions among your medicines, especially if you are considering adding an over-the-counter medication or supplements. He/she can see or enter on the computer any relevant information like allergies or other underlying conditions you may have.
Q: Can the Arthritis Foundation provide information about how much or how little medicine I should be taking? What's my correct dosage?
A: Dose sizes are determined based on a variety of factors specific to each person, such as body weight and particular symptoms. Your doctor or pharmacist, using your particular information, can give you guidance about which dosage is right for you.
Q: Do you have information about this new drug I just heard about?
A: We offer general information about federally approved prescription medications. Take a look at our drug guide, our brochures about various classes of medications or order some of our free article reprints in Your Arthritis Store. If you want more information, you can also visit the Web site of the drug's manufacturer.
Q: My doctor wants me to take a new drug. Do you have information about it?
A: We offer general information about federally approved prescription medications. Take a look at our drug guide, our brochures about various classes of medications or order some of our free article reprints. If you want more information, you can also visit the Web site of the drug's manufacturer.
Q: I've read a lot of news stories about biologic response modifiers such as Enbrel (etanercept) and Remicade (infliximab). Can you tell more about them?
A: We offer general information about these treatments in our drug guide and in our brochure section. You can also get information on their Web sites:
Enbrel -- http://www.enbrel.com -- the site contains phone numbers, including questions and patient assistance
Remicade -- http://www.centocor.com/ (see bottom of page for contact information)
Q: What can you tell me about Cox-2 inhibitors?
A: This is a new class of pain relievers that may be more suitable for people who have gastrointestinal problems. The first two drugs in this class were Celebrex and Vioxx. We offer general information about these treatments in our drug guide and in our brochure section. You can also get information on their Web sites:
Celebrex -- http://www.celebrex.com
Vioxx -- http://www.vioxx.com
Treatments, Standard and Alternative
Q: Does the Arthritis Foundation endorse products or treatments?
A: The Arthritis Foundation does not endorse products, services or particular treatments.
Q: I want to try an alternative arthritis treatment. What's safe and effective?
A: While the Arthritis Foundation does not endorse one particular treatment over another, we do provide a number of information resources. See our alternative and complementary therapy section.
Q: I've been using an alternative treatment that I heard about on the news. Is it safe?
A: There are many alternative and complementary therapies. Some can be safe and effective, others can be quite dangerous. We recommend that you speak with your doctor before trying any new treatment to determine safety and potential interactions with other medications you may be taking. You can learn more in our alternative and complementary therapy section.
Q: I have an idea for a new arthritis treatment. Will the Foundation endorse it?
A: The Arthritis Foundation does not endorse specific products or treatments, nor do we fund or manufacture production of particular products. We do, however, have a grants process through which we fund over 300 researchers a year who are engaged in basic scientific research.
Q: Where can I find a list of the best arthritis treatment centers in the United States?
A: Often the best treatment for your particular situation can be found close to home. Your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation can direct you to arthritis specialists and treatment resources in your community. There are also a number of Multipurpose Arthritis And Musculoskeletal Disease Centers associated with the National Institute Of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases where treatment and research are conducted.
