Resources We Love
Favorite Orgs for Essential Rheumatoid Arthritis Information
The American College of Rheumatology is an organization for physicians, health professionals, and scientists that advances rheumatology through education, research, advocacy, and practice support relating to the care of people with arthritis and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. It publishes two medical journals (Arthritis & Rheumatology and Arthritis Care & Research) and promotes research into rheumatological conditions.
The Arthritis Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis. The foundation provides information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community networking.
CreakyJoints is a leading support, education, advocacy, and research organization for people living with arthritis and rheumatic disease. It is dedicated to raising awareness of all forms of arthritis, which includes educating people about the available varieties of treatment and management strategies.
Favorite Online Support Network for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Live Yes! Connect Groups, from the Arthritis Foundation, provide a network of support with the aim of helping people live their best lives. By exchanging ideas, tips, and experiences with others in provided online forums covering a variety of topics, the network empowers people with RA to gain confidence in dealing with their disease proactively.
Favorite Apps, Products, and Gadgets
Dycem Super Grip Tape, $13.95
Dycem’s self-adhering Super Grip Tape provides a cushioned grip that feels more comfortable on the hands. The tape adheres to a variety of surfaces, including brooms, wheelchair arms, mobility devices, and even pens and cutlery. The nonslip grip will help increase the friction of any surface you grab.
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener, $39.95
The Smooth Touch can open both pop-top and regular cans. It is designed so that it cuts along the side of the can and not the top, minimizing the blade’s contact with food, preventing splashing, and creating a smooth, touchable lid.
Copper Compression Arthritis Gloves, $25.95
Many people with RA consider compression gloves a must-have accessory. According to research, hand symptoms including pain, stiffness, and swelling improve greatly with the use of compression gloves. Copper Compression Arthritis Gloves are one of Amazon’s top sellers for arthritis gloves.
IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves, $18.99
IMAK remains one of the easiest brands of compression gloves to find, both online and in stores.
Sunbeam Heated Blanket
Sunbeam’s electric blanket can help those with arthritis get off to a better start in the morning by providing the heat necessary to loosen stiff joints. An easy-to-use controller can adjust the blanket through 12 heating levels to help you warm up your joints before getting out of bed. The blanket comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes to fit all standard-size beds.
Favorite Patient Blogs
Chronic Eileen
Over a period of two and a half years, Eileen Davidson was diagnosed with RA, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. She began writing Chronic Eileen in June 2017 as a way to battle her struggles with progressing anxiety and depression and to help her handle her new role as a mother with a chronic illness (her article on parenting techniques is definitely worth a read). Her posts share many of these ideas, such as whether arthritis will make tattoos hurt or how to calm the “bitch within” when living with a chronic illness.
From This Point. Forward.
Mariah Leach was diagnosed with RA at age 25 while pursuing dual graduate degrees. Since then, she has without a doubt made the most of living with a chronic illness, including giving birth to three children. In addition to her blog, Leach writes for various health websites. On Mamas Facing Forward, she pays special attention to mothers living with RA in articles on sex, parenting, treatment, and ordinary life with RA.
Favorite Annual Meeting
American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting
Every year, nearly 16,000 rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals, fellows in training, patient advocates, and exhibitors from more than 100 countries gather to discuss the latest scientific advances and clinical issues surrounding RA. The annual convention hosts sessions that provide ample opportunity for professional development, networking, and access to the latest rheumatology research and clinical applications.
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