Inspiring Words Uplift People With Arthritis Pain
Our community shares words that empower them on their arthritis journey.
ATLANTA (Aug. 30, 2024) — “Pain” is typically one of the first words people associate with arthritis. The physical pain of arthritis can range from occasional, dull pain to intense, ongoing ache depending on the type of arthritis. Pain interrupts sleep, it interferes with everyday activities like doing chores, walking or going up and down stairs. Pain from psoriatic arthritis nearly ruined this bride’s honeymoon.
The type and intensity of pain is unique to every individual, but the experience of pain is shared by all people with arthritis. With time and with assistance from health care professionals and loved ones, and through connections with others living with arthritis through support groups, individuals find the mix of treatments and lifestyle habits to manage their pain and regain some freedom.
During Arthritis Awareness Month in May and in preparation for Pain Awareness Month in September, we invited the Arthritis Foundation community to share words that inspire them on their arthritis journey, particularly when their pain is high or particularly disruptive.
The most popular responses from the hundreds submitted are Hope, Keep Moving, Stay Strong, Love and Courage. These are words that help our community through tough days dealing with an often-invisible disease that can lead to depression, loneliness and fear along with physical pain.
These words have been made into bracelets which will be distributed free of charge throughout September at events in Atlanta, New York City, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. The bracelets symbolize support from our community to everyone living with arthritis pain, linked with empowering resources to help with pain and its devastating impact on mental and physical health.
Look for Arthritis Foundation Street Teams at these events — and remember: No matter where you are on your arthritis journey, the Arthritis Foundation is here for you.
Atlanta: Aug. 31 – Dragon Con parade
Phoenix: Sept. 6 – Artlink First Friday ArtWalk
Washington, D.C.: Sept. 8 – Adams Morgan Day
New York City: Sept. 21 – Times Square
The type and intensity of pain is unique to every individual, but the experience of pain is shared by all people with arthritis. With time and with assistance from health care professionals and loved ones, and through connections with others living with arthritis through support groups, individuals find the mix of treatments and lifestyle habits to manage their pain and regain some freedom.
During Arthritis Awareness Month in May and in preparation for Pain Awareness Month in September, we invited the Arthritis Foundation community to share words that inspire them on their arthritis journey, particularly when their pain is high or particularly disruptive.
The most popular responses from the hundreds submitted are Hope, Keep Moving, Stay Strong, Love and Courage. These are words that help our community through tough days dealing with an often-invisible disease that can lead to depression, loneliness and fear along with physical pain.
These words have been made into bracelets which will be distributed free of charge throughout September at events in Atlanta, New York City, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. The bracelets symbolize support from our community to everyone living with arthritis pain, linked with empowering resources to help with pain and its devastating impact on mental and physical health.
Look for Arthritis Foundation Street Teams at these events — and remember: No matter where you are on your arthritis journey, the Arthritis Foundation is here for you.
Atlanta: Aug. 31 – Dragon Con parade
Phoenix: Sept. 6 – Artlink First Friday ArtWalk
Washington, D.C.: Sept. 8 – Adams Morgan Day
New York City: Sept. 21 – Times Square
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