Arthritis Resources

We’re glad that you have found ArthritisMD.com. We are confident that you will be able to find all the information you need about arthritis at this site. However, as you peruse through the web, you will find many other health websites about arthritis. Some of these websites provide excellent information and others may be trying to sell you something and/or may be of more questionable quality. Other websites will explain topics in a slightly different way, or cover a slightly different topic. As it is always a good idea to seek a second opinion about your medical condition, it is also always a good idea to read and learn about your disease process from multiple sources. In that spirit, we would like to present you with a guide to some of the other websites we have identified.
 

Introduction
Arthritis is one of the most common pain conditions in the United States. Its widespread prevalence has generated many informational resources, many of which appear on the internet. Amidst these hundreds of sites it is often difficult to separate trustworthy information from unqualified opinion. The search for good information can sometimes take hours and be very frustrating. No one should have to spend their time on fruitless searches that lead nowhere. This article will offer some suggestions about reliable online resources. Our goal in this article is to enable you to better direct your arthritis education so that you can have the highest quality of life.
ArthritisMD has no affiliation with any of the sites we will discuss.
In order to help organize your internet surfing and quest for more information, we have arranged this article with specific topic headings so that you can find the best sites for your particular needs.
Comprehensive Sites
The sites listed here cover all the topic headings listed in this article. In some cases the specified sites discuss topics in greater detail.
Quick TOP 10

Obviously, we believe that our site is the most encompassing Arthritis information site available, however, we do not wish to rank ourselves.  Therefore, we are not included in the following top ten sites:

Rank
Website Name
1. Arthritis Foundation
2. Arthritis Society of Canada
3 WebMD
4 American College of Rheumatology
5 Medline Plus
6 eMedicine Consumer Health
7 MedicineNet
8 About
9 Mayday Pain Project
10Arthritis Care UK
 

1. Arthritis Foundation
o Overall: It is a great starting point from which to begin educating yourself and the newsletter will provide updates. A unique feature that the Arthritis Foundation offers is the notification of programs, discussions and lectures in your area.
o Publishes the popular magazine “Arthritis Today.”
o A good comprehensive site with trustworthy information and option to receive a free newsletter.
o One of the best Q and A sections available, including the option to email or telephone a specialist if your question is not answered.
o This site links to excellent information about many topics related to arthritis.
o Includes a brief discussion of different medications.
2. Arthritis Society of Canada
o Overall: The information is comprehensive and reliable and the layout is very easy to use. Click “Types of Arthritis” for background information and links to very thorough information on many different types of arthritis.
o There is a tab called “Tips for Living Well,” that expertly deals with the many facets of life and how to mitigate the challenges imposed by arthritis. This is one of the best sources offering support and suggestions for assuring a high quality of life.
􀂃 Some types of arthritis are not discussed thoroughly, such as juvenile arthritis.
3. WebMD
o Overall: The articles and recommendations on this site are trustworthy, as they are written by doctors and other health experts. However, it is sometimes complicated to find the exact information you seek because of the sheer magnitude of the site.
o Clicking on an article leads to an introduction page about, for example, Exercise and Arthritis. From this page, a list of links may be followed that will provide information in greater depth about more specific aspects of exercise, such as what types of exercise to do.
o Topics are covered sufficiently, but are not as exhaustive as some other sites.
4. American College of Rheumatology
o Overall: This association of rheumatologists aspires to educate patients, doctors and the public about rheumatic diseases such as arthritis. The information is highly reliable and well-presented.
o After clicking on “patient/public,” clicking the “patient education” tab will connect you to abundant information about the different types of arthritis.
o An excellent discussion of 12 common types of medication provides honest information free of bias. It is often difficult to learn about medications without being offered to buy something. The American College of Rheumatology does not even mention particular brands, it simply discusses the classes of medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
o This site can help you locate a rheumatologist in your area.
5. Medline Plus
o Overall: This site is provided as a service of the National Institute of Health, so the information is thorough and reliable. The site principally offers links to other websites, many of them discussed in this article. These links are also well-researched and will lead to reputable sources, such as the Arthritis Foundation.
o A unique feature of this page is that current arthritis news is available.
6. eMedicine Consumer Health
o Overall: Clicking on a type of arthritis leads to a thorough discussion about different considerations pertaining to the specific topic.
o Provides one of the best overviews about the development of osteoarthritis, including numerous diagrams and definitions so that you can be more informed in the discussions that you have with your doctor.
o Provides very clear indications about when to seek medical attention.
7. MedicineNet.com
o Overall: Patients can search for any specific or general condition and the site’s database of articles will select the most relevant ones. The format is easy to use and predictable. Regardless of the type of arthritis you are searching about, be it rheumatoid, gout or osteoporosis, the information layout is consistent. The basics, such as describing the disease, the symptoms and the treatments are all dealt with in-depth by certified doctors. Of note, MedicineNet is actually an affiliate now of WebMD.
8. About
o Overall: This New York Times project provides reliable information about managing the different types of arthritis.
o Thorough resource for drug information, offering links to descriptions of numerous medications.
o One of the most popular arthritis discussion forums on the web.
o The best feature of this online resource is the discussion of medications. Different types of drugs and the many different brands of each type are listed. Clicking on a drug leads to wholehealthmd.com or other sites, which offer detailed information about the many aspects of each drug. These links make it easier for you to learn about the seemingly endless list of medication options you have.
o If, however, you are looking for a productive way to kill some time, About.com offers hundreds of quizzes that may help you better understand your condition. There are also numerous sponsored links each trying to sell you different medications.
􀂃 This information is often difficult to find, as the layout of the site is confusing and haphazard.
􀂃 Navigating this site is confusing and can be frustrating. Most topics offer an introduction about a topic that is followed by a list of links to articles about specific issues that are usually not particularly relevant. For example, clicking “symptoms / diagnosis” leads to a seemingly endless list of articles about specific symptoms of different types of arthritis. This is great if you want to know exactly what defines a remission in rheumatoid arthritis. You very well might have this exact question, but if you have others you might be left with your initial query: “what are some of the common arthritis symptoms.”
9. Mayday Pain Project
o Overall: Offers links to its rating of the top ten arthritis internet resources. However, this top ten list might be slightly outdated. Some of the sites they suggest are indeed excellent, but others lack completeness and reliability.
􀂃 Some of the links connect to business enterprises that are trying to sell you something. If you want to buy medications or books you will have little trouble finding such sites, however, this may not be your aim.
10. Arthritis Care UK
o Overall: This British website can be an excellent resource for people living in the UK. The most impressive feature is the telephone helpline that is available to anyone that purchases the $26 (15 pounds) membership.
o Site is run by volunteers with an interest in helping arthritis sufferers.
Background Information
If you are beginning your education about arthritis or need to review some of the basics, these websites should be very helpful. The top eight sites in the “Comprehensive” category also provide abundant background information.
Quick Top 2
Rank
Website Name
1.Wikipedia
2.Arthritis.com
1. Wikipedia
o Describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and types. There are links to each type. Wikipedia’s article screening process ensures that the information is reliable and up-to-date. The words in blue will link to other Wikipedia pages, many of which may not be exactly what you want. For example, while reading about arthritis, you may decide to click the surgery link in expectation of a discussion of the pros and cons of this treatment strategy. What you will get is a brief description of the history of surgery, beginning in about 7000 BC.
2. Arthritis.com
o A good starter resource. The basics are covered, but patients will quickly amass questions that the site does not answer. The quick checklist gently suggests that symptomatic individuals consult a doctor. There are animations for OA and RA, both of which teach some basic anatomy while depicting the development of each of these types of arthritis.
o This site is sponsored by Pfizer, but there are no attempts to sell products.
Cutting-Edge Information
New information about arthritis is constantly emerging in scientific journals, newspapers, magazine articles, billboards, TV and elsewhere. These suggested resources will help you stay up-to-date with the latest stories and breakthroughs from around the world.
Quick Top 6
Rank
Website Name
1 Arthritis Daily
2 Medline Plus
3 Arthritis Research and Therapy
4 Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
5 Center Watch Clinical Trials Listing Service
6 National Institute on Aging
1. Arthritis Daily
o This site offers recent international news articles, ranging from op-ed pieces to reports on scientists specific triumphs and setbacks in the search for a cure.
2. Medline Plus
o This site, also listed in our Comprehensive category, has links to articles posted on various websites.
o Articles are scientific and readable, usually dealing with cutting-edge treatment research.
o Sponsored by the National Institute of Health (NIH).
3. Arthritis Research and Therapy
o If you are scientifically-inclined, this is the spot for you. If you just can’t seem to quench your thirst for more current information, this online journal takes the reader to a new level of understanding, the level of cells, enzymes and protons. One can subscribe for a free 30-day trial in order to find out if these cellular events are exciting and relevant.
4. Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
o Articles range from the very technical to the sociological. The articles are all written by doctors, so the information is in-depth and trustworthy.
o Some of the articles may be challenging to read, as they use substantial scientific terminology.
5. Center Watch Clinical Trials Listing Service
o If you want to participate in a clinical trial this is the site for you! If you don’t, then don’t even bother.
6. National Institute on Aging
o There are numerous clinical trials that are recruiting volunteers for testing products. These trials are not all specific to arthritis; some deal with Alzheimer’s for example.
Surgery
Information on this treatment option is available through many of the sites listed in the Comprehensive category. One of the best surgery resources on the internet offers exceptional and reliable information for anyone considering surgery or interested in learning more about it.
1. Arthritis Foundation
o Offers excellent animations with descriptions of the procedure for 8 different types of surgery.
o Comprehensive surgery guide that discusses alternatives and options.
Living with Arthritis
Here we have selected a couple of the best resources for managing and minimizing your pain.
Quick Top 3
Rank
Website Name
1 Arthritis Society of Canada
2 Arthritis Foundation
3 Allaboutarthritis.com
1. Arthritis Society of Canada
o This site offers thorough and sensitive discussions of nutrition, physiology and psychology. The information is very well presented and the site is easy to navigate.
o The “Tips for Living Well” take a holistic approach to arthritic pain.
2. Arthritis Foundation
o Includes 32 quick tips on how to manage your arthritis. Discussions of each are very brief, but proving that “having a good laugh” is a good idea does not require a whole lot of rambling. There are also some creative suggestions such as appealing to a higher power. If you are at a loss for how to cope or are looking for some new tricks, take a peak at this link.
o One of the most complete exercise discussions on the web. Exercise tips, programs and related articles from Arthritis Today should help you design an exercise program that is right for you. http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/exercise/default.asp
3. Allaboutarthritis.com (click “Living Well with Arthritis”)
o Sponsored by Johnson and Johnson. This site has a few simple tips, most of them found on other sites. This information is brief and focused, so it is useful as a quick reference.
o A unique and very useful feature of this site offers articles about specific exercises and foods.
Osteoporosis
This type of bone disease, characterized by low bone density, afflicts approximately 10 million Americans. Many of the sites already mentioned do discuss it, but the ones listed below are reliable sites devoted exclusively to osteoporosis.
Quick Top 4
Rank
Website Name
1 International Osteoporosis Foundation
2 National Osteoporosis Foundation
3 Osteoporosis Canada
4 National Osteoporosis Society
1. International Osteoporosis Foundation
o Overall: Offers resources for health practitioners, donors and patients. Specifically, the IOF offers thorough information of prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
o Adequate risk assessment quiz
o Personal stories of men and women are shared.
2. National Osteoporosis Foundation
o Overall: offers reliable information that patients, doctors and philanthropists will find useful.
o Provides good background information, including a thorough FAQ section
o Excellent prevention information
o Unlike most sites, the NOF offers specific information for males, even though they are less likely to develop osteoporosis.
o Links to current news about osteoporosis are provided
3. Osteoporosis Canada
o Overall: this site is similar in scope to that offered by the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Resources exist for patients, doctors and donors. With respect to patients, this site’s focus is calcium.
o Unique features of this site are the calcium recipes and the calcium calculator. These features can help you easily monitor your calcium intake.
o The research links presented here are targeting doctors more than patients. Usually the article links from NOF are more pertinent.
4. National Osteoporosis Society
o Overall: UK-based society that offers the barebones information on osteoporosis. The major benefits of this site are likely received if you purchase the $31 (18 pounds) membership fee.
􀂃 American members are likely to benefit, but probably not as much as members from the UK, since some of the resources they offer are based in United Kingdom.
Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis can be one of the most difficult things that a family deals with. The sites listed below deal with this affliction sensitively and thoroughly.
Quick Top 3
Rank
Website Name
1 American College of Rheumatology
2 Arthritis Foundation
3 Health A to Z
1. American College of Rheumatology
o The information here is accredited and trustworthy. The discussions are brief, general and are useful for most people interested in learning more about juvenile arthritis and how to deal with it.
2. Arthritis Foundation -
o One of the most complete online discussions of juvenile arthritis from a reputable source.
o This site includes information on the different types of juvenile arthritis so that you can personalize your information as much as possible.
o The exhaustive drug chart can help educate you about treatment regimens. As always, this information, however comprehensive, should never substitute for discussions with your physician.
3. Health A to Z
o This is a URAC-accredited site, meaning that it satisfies the highest level of reliability.
o Healthatoz.com is a vast website that deals with hundreds of health afflictions. Concerning juvenile arthritis, this site provides a concise but thorough report of its impacts on a youth’s life.
o A unique component of this site is a section on how family members can help the psychology of an affected child.
Sitios Espanoles
No hay muchos sitios que ofrecen información en español, pero poco por poco mas están desarrollando. Aquí presentamos algunos los que disponibles.
Los 4 Mejores
Grado
Nombre de la Pagina
1 Fundación de Artritis
2 Medline Plus
3 Familydoctor.org
4 Instituto Nacional de envejecimiento
1. Arthritis Foundation
o El sitio entero es disponible por la gente que prefiere hablar o leer en español. Sin embargo, la translación tiene unas diferencias al original, pero la información es muy bueno y completo.
2. Medline Plus
o Todas las informaciones están ofrecido por el sitio de ingles están aquí también.
3. Familydoctor.org
o Este sitio acreditado presente información muy buena, pero las discusiones son breves.
4. National Institute on Aging
o Ofrece información básica sobre los tipos de artritis, los tratamientos y consejos.
Authors:
Eric J. Leroux, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Pearl Kim, M.D., New York-Presbyterian Hospital, The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, New York, NY
Cassandra M. Nunez, PhD., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Princeton University, Princeton, NJ