Pain Awareness Month Brings New Resources, Tools to Arthritis Patients

ATLANTA (September 1, 2022) – Today marks the start of Pain Awareness Month, a nationally recognized time to highlight the chronic pain endured by many of the nearly 60 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation encourages people living with arthritis to take advantage of its free support services and resources available to all people living with chronic pain.

The Arthritis Foundation’s ongoing Live Yes! INSIGHTS study reveals the pervasive impact of pain on those living with arthritis. Unsurprisingly, 90% of patients reported having pain that impacted their day-to-day life, and 100% of patients reported to have experienced pain in the past 7 days. Additionally, 58% of adult patients experience depressive symptoms that are outside of the general population norm.

Since 1948, the Foundation's strategic mission has been to advance and improve the quality of life for all people living with chronic pain while funding innovative scientific research that has led to treatments that may result in a cure.

“Pain is something almost all arthritis patients have in common, but each person’s experience is different. That's why we have tailored our resources to help provide personalized help and support,” said Steven Taylor, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “Many callers to our Helpline tell us that we were their ‘first call’ after their diagnosis.”

The Foundation’s Helpline connects patients and caregivers to resources in their community and online. The Helpline is available by phone at 800-283-7800 for live assistance Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, or by email at [email protected]. The Helpline Specialists — which consist of a licensed clinical social worker and trained staff — will respond during the next available business hours.

For those looking for additional resources and a guide to help patients build a personal plan to help manage their pain, visit arthritis.org/pain. This includes the Arthritis Foundation’s Vim app.

In addition to tools and resources available 24/7 on arthritis.org/pain, patients can take advantage of free educational opportunities throughout Pain Awareness Month:

• September 8: Arthritis and the Military: Getting the Best Possible Care; 7 – 8:15 p.m. EST (WEBINAR)
  • More than 1 in 3 veterans live with arthritis. This webinar will provide tangible tips on how active military service members and veterans can become their best advocate in managing their condition and identify ways to best care for their physical and mental health.
• September 13: Understanding Types of Pain (PODCAST)
  • To determine the best solution for managing pain, understanding the different types of pain is important. This podcast will break down the different mechanisms of pain.
• September 22: Movement and Mobility: Protecting Joints and Preventing Injury; 6 – 7:15 p.m. EST (WEBINAR)
  • In this webinar, a panel of physical and occupational therapists shares exercises and tips to make moving easier, while strengthening joints and even reducing pain.
• September 27: Tools to Manage the Different Types of Pain (PODCAST)
  • From heat vs. ice to topical vs. oral NSAIDS, there are so many options when it comes to managing pain. This podcast will help illuminate which tools are best to reach for first.

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About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As a Champion of Yes, it's the Arthritis Foundation's mission to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and it also provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care and join the fight for a cure — uniting hearts, minds and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to cure arthritis, visit arthritis.org.