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Arthritis and the Military

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Arthritis Foundation has expanded its support to the more than 1 in 3 military and veteran service members battling doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Find information, tips and resources that can help you take control of arthritis symptoms and challenges.

Early Onset OA
Early Onset OA

Military and veteran service members have high rates of osteoarthritis. Learn why and what’s being done about it.

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Benefits of Mind-Body Therapies
Benefits of Mind-Body Therapies

Learn how these techniques can help military members find relief from mental and physical trauma.

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Connect With Others
Connect With Others

Connect with other military and veteran service members living with arthritis. Join information sessions to improve pain management and quality of life, and participate in fun group activities.

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Find Your Workout
Find Your Workout

Physical activity is the best medicine for arthritis pain as well as mental health. If arthritis interferes with your normal workout, check out these videos for joint-friendly modifications.

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Solutions for Sleeplessness
Solutions for Sleeplessness

Chances are you struggle with insomnia, especially if you have arthritis pain. Learn what a sleep specialist who works with military and veteran service members recommends for better sleep and pain.

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Manage Your Pain
Manage Your Pain

Arthritis pain interferes with daily life in countless ways, preventing people from doing routine tasks and forcing many to give up the things they love. See ways to help control your pain.

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Impact of Arthritis

1 in 3

military veterans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis

#1

cause of disability in the U.S. is arthritis

#2

leading cause of medical discharge from the military

Arthritis and the Military Series

Webinar: The Mental Health-Pain Connection

Learn how mental health can impact chronic pain, specific to your experiences as a military service member or veteran. Get advice to improve emotional well-being and pain from renowned psychologist, Dr. Terry Keane, Director of the National Center for PTSD, and a panel of retired military members who live with arthritis.

Arthritis and the Military

Webinar: Getting the Best Possible Care

A panel, including veterans and experts in rheumatology, complementary and physical therapy, offers solutions to various care challenges for active and retired military service members and veterans. Learn how to navigate health care access, treatment plans, pain relief options and more.

Live Yes! Arthritis Podcast

Battling Back: Veterans & Arthritis

Active and retired service members develop arthritis more often, at younger ages and sometimes more seriously than the general public. In this podcast, you’ll find out why, the mental and physical impacts it can have, as well as some ways to cope.

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Battling Back: Veterans & Arthritis

Easing Anxiety

Using the Breath to Stress Less

Personal trainer and combat veteran, Dan Hill, discusses how to intentionally use the breath to dial down stress and anxiety.

Be Kind to Yourself

Encouragement to Have Courage

Reflecting on his own journey with arthritis, retired Army SFC Farron Dozier offers encouraging words to fellow service members struggling with joint pain.

Help & Support

Help for Military Personnel

An Air Force veteran encourages other vets and service members with arthritis to get support in our virtual Connect Group focused on the military.

Read Donna’s Story

Don’t Give Up, We’ve Got Your Back

This retired combat medic says military personnel with arthritis can find helpful resources and connect with others to share tips and confide in.

Watch Krendra’s Video

Connect Face to Face Where You Live

Get encouraged and make living with arthritis easier through a Live Yes! Connect Group.

Arthritis Foundation Helpline

Our experienced Helpline team understands RA and is here to answer your questions. Call or email us for help in English or Spanish.

Learn More About VA Health Care

Find out how to apply for and manage the health care benefits you've earned. You can access veterans health services and get medical equipment, prosthetics and prescriptions.

VA Resources

Advocating for Service Members with Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation advocates for funding and research on arthritis in the military. Learn more about this work and how to urge your legislators to support this vital funding.

VA Resources
Action Center

Watch a Webinar

Webinars are led by experts who are committed to keeping you informed about arthritis, including treatment options, solutions to everyday challenges and ways to live your best life.

Find a Webinar

Take Control with Expert Advice

Arthritis can make your head spin. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Get tips to help you take control of arthritis and put your mind at ease.

Get Tips

Partnership With VA

Military service members are more prone to develop arthritis than civilians. The Arthritis Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs have teamed up to offer even more support.

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Building a Personal Pain Plan

Building a Personal Pain Plan

In this episode, learn how to create a realistic pain management plan that factors in what you’ve experienced in the military and things you’ve encountered along the way.

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Building a Personal Pain Plan
Podcast guest Rachel Aaron, MA, PhD

Pain is incredibly complex and difficult to live with. What’s most important is finding ways to live the life that you love. If there are things you want to change, start very small and set yourself up for success.

Podcast guest Rachel Aaron, MA, PhD

FB Live: Men in Chronic Pain

Overcoming Stigmas and Finding Solutions

Society says men should be tough. But when you live with chronic pain, how do you overcome the stigma? In this live session, a panel of patients and experts share tips on finding solutions for arthritis and how to overcome harmful stereotypes so you can better manage your pain.

Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.

Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.