Rheumatoid Arthritis Resources
If you’re looking for rheumatoid arthritis information or to connect with other people with similar conditions, here are some sources to help you get started, including nonprofit organizations, blogs, and online communities.
You may find support groups that meet in person or online. Some networking sessions are organized by professionals while others are led by peers. Find a group that best meets your needs, including educational updates, tips for daily living, or emotional support.
Your local hospital or doctor may sponsor support groups or be able to put you in touch with one.
When you use blogs or online communities, keep in mind that while they can offer personal perspective and information from those who live with RA, it’s not medical advice. Also ask yourself these questions:
- Who runs or created the site? Are they selling anything?
- Does it make claims that sound too good to be true?
- Is the information up to date, reviewed, and based on scientific research?
Nonprofit Organizations
Check with the national, state, or local chapters of groups that represent people with long-term diseases that share similarities with rheumatoid arthritis.
- The American College of Rheumatology
www.rheumatology.org/ - The National Psoriasis Foundation
www.psoriasis.org/ - The Arthritis Foundation
www.arthritis.org - Road Back Foundation
roadback.org - Lupus Foundation of America
www.lupus.org - National Fibromyalgia Association
fmaware.org - American Lyme Disease Foundation
www.aldf.com/ - The Scoliosis Research Society
www.srs.org
Blogs
Many writers chronicle their experience with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases. You can search for blogs you enjoy. You may be able to meet other readers in the comment sections to ask questions or to offer your own advice. Don’t act on medical advice from people who aren’t your doctor or other caregiver.
- Chronic Eileen
- Arthritis Foundation’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog
Online Communities
Facebook. You can find other people with rheumatoid arthritis online. Many groups are open to anyone who has the condition. You can join a network near where you live, or anywhere else. www.facebook.com/groups/RheumatoidArthritisGroup
Reddit. This online community connects you with people who share common interests. The discussions are organized by topics. You don’t have to join a particular forum. But if you do, you’ll find subgroups dedicated to rheumatoid arthritis, or arthritis in any form. www.reddit.com/r/rheumatoid
Popular hashtags. You can search for #rheumatoidarthritis.
Major nonprofit groups are also on social media, so you can check their official accounts.
The quality of information on social media can vary widely, so be sure that you:
- Check the sponsor's website. These are often linked to from the social media account.
- Verify the account. Some social networking sites have a symbol that an account has been verified. For example, Twitter uses a blue badge for verified accounts.
- Use the link from the organization's official website to reach its social networking sites.
