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P R A C T I C A L H E L P F R O M T H E A R T H R I T I S F O U N D AT I O N

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Diet and Your Arthritis


A LOOK AT THE RESEARCH

What We Already Know

Can the foods you eat cause or affect your


arthritis? Thats one of the most common questions people with arthritis ask. Because symptoms of arthritis can vary from day to day, it is
natural to think that what you ate yesterday
caused or reduced the pain you feel today.
Researchers have looked at the roles diet may
play in arthritis. There are some scientific reasons to think that the foods you eat could affect
certain kinds of arthritis. Evidence shows that
excessive weight and the type of diet you follow
may influence symptoms of certain types of
arthritis and related conditions.
However, all persons with arthritis, young and
old, can benefit from eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. This includes a variety of foods; plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products;
and sugar, salt and fat (especially saturated fat
found in animal products) in moderation.
Taking the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals also is an important part of a
healthful diet. A good diet promotes overall
health and helps to control weight.

Research has shown several connections between food, nutritional supplements (vitamins,
minerals and omega-3 fatty acids) and certain
forms of arthritis or related conditions, such as
gout (GOWT), osteoporosis (ah-stee-oh-poRO-sis), osteoarthritis (ah-stee-oh-ar-THRYtis), rheumatoid arthritis (ROO-ma-toyd arTHRY-tis), or RA, and reactive arthritis.
PURINES AND GOUT

Gout, which is caused by deposits of uric


acid crystals in the body, is the most familiar
example of an arthritis-related disease that has
a link with diet. Uric acid normally forms when
the body breaks down waste products called
purines (PURE-eens). The uric acid usually
dissolves in the blood and passes through the
kidneys into the urine.
In people with gout, the bloods uric acid
level is elevated so that crystals form and are
deposited in joints and other tissues. This causes inflammation (swelling) in the joint, often in
the big toe. Alcohol and foods, such as organ

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information about arthritis, call 800/283-7800.

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meats, legumes, sardines and anchovies, and


broths and gravies can contribute to high levels
of purines.
When you have gout, your body either has
trouble using or getting rid of uric acid or your
body produces too much uric acid. Alcohol consumption may elevate uric acid levels in your
body. Fortunately, medications combined with a
low-purine diet are effective in minimizing uric
acid levels and may help in controlling weight.
CALCIUM, VITAMIN D, ALCOHOL
AND OSTEOPOROSIS

Both calcium and alcohol affect the strength


of your bones, but in different ways. Diets low
in calcium, vitamin D or both, and excessive
alcohol consumption may increase your
chances for developing osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become so weak that they
break easily. Osteoporosis is most common in
older, post-menopausal women, but the disease
also occurs in men and children, as well as
younger adults. Prevention should begin in
early childhood to prevent weak bones.
If you have a type of inflammatory arthritis
or connective tissue disease, such as RA, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (LOO-pus),
or if you take glucocorticoid medications, you
are at risk for developing osteoporosis.
Following a diet with the right amounts of calcium and vitamin D will help reduce the risk
for developing osteoporosis.
Calcium, which is found in dairy products,
foods such as green, leafy vegetables, shellfish
and calcium-fortified foods (some dairy products, orange juice, breads and cereals), is one of
the main building blocks of bone. Between the
ages of approximately 10 and 25, the calcium
you get from food helps bone rebuild faster
than it breaks down.

To help this process and to prevent osteoporosis, you need 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams (mg) of
calcium a day, especially if you are a woman
under 30. If you are taking glucocorticoids, you
should take 1,500 mg of calcium per day. Talk to
your doctor.
Although calcium alone wont stop osteoporosis once you have it, calcium may slow bone loss
or reduce the effects of the disease. Many doctors
advise their patients, particularly female patients,
to take calcium supplements in addition to
including dairy products in their diets.
Vitamin D also is important in building
and maintaining strong bones because it
helps your body to absorb calcium from food.
Vitamin D comes from sunlight as well as food
like fortified dairy products, such as milk.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D
is 400 international units (IU) per day. After
age 55, the recommended daily intake is 800
IU per day.
Alcohol intake can weaken bones. Consuming
more than two alcoholic drinks a day increases
your chances for thinning bones, leading to
osteoporosis. One alcoholic drink is equal to 12
ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or one-anda-half ounces of liquor.
GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIONS (FOOD
POISONING) AND REACTIVE ARTHRITIS

Food or water contaminated by Salmonella or


other specific types of bacteria can lead to a form
of arthritis called reactive arthritis. People who
develop this form of arthritis seem to have an
abnormal response to certain infections. In the
process of fighting off the infection, their
immune system attacks their joints. This reaction
can lead to swelling and pain in the affected
joints, as well as complications in other organs
such as the eyes, skin and heart.

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information about arthritis, call 800/283-7800.

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Almost half of the people with reactive


arthritis will not have a second episode.
Statistics are similar after the second episode.
But with later episodes, it is more likely that the
disease will become chronic.
WEIGHT AND OSTEOARTHRITIS

Pain and stiffness in certain joints characterize osteoarthritis, a disease that causes the cartilage (CAR-ti-lij) that cushions the bones in
joints to break down. Osteoarthritis is more
common in people who are overweight. If you
are overweight you are at greater risk for developing osteoarthritis in the weight-bearing
joints, such as the knees and hips. Therefore, it
is especially important to maintain your
recommended weight by eating a healthy diet
and exercising regularly.
What if youre already overweight? Research
shows that middle-aged and older women of
average height who lose 11 pounds or more
over a period of 10 years cut their risk in half
for developing osteoarthritis of the knee. An
11-pound weight loss can reduce the pain of
knee OA. It also can decrease blood pressure
and lower your blood sugar if you have high
blood pressure or diabetes.
Evidence suggests that low levels of vitamins
C and D may put you at risk for OA of the knee
and hip. These low levels also may make the
damage from OA progress more quickly. Talk to
your physician about ways to enhance vitamins
C and D intake and to maintain proper weight.
FOOD ALLERGIES AND REACTIONS

Allergic reactions to certain foods may bring


about or worsen arthritis symptoms, such as
joint pain or inflammation. But these instances
are not common. For most types of arthritis,
there are no proven, consistent connections

between a specific kind of food and a specific


symptom of arthritis.
FASTING OR LOW-CALORIE/LOW-FAT DIETS

Other factors in the diet, however, may actually have positive effects on the bodys immune
system. For example, several researchers have
observed that short periods of fasting, as well as
following a diet low in calories, fat and protein,
may reduce some symptoms of RA in humans,
or lupus in animals. Both RA and lupus are
autoimmune diseases brought about by an
overzealous immune response. This inappropriate response may be inhibited during fasting;
however, prolonged fasting to minimize disease
symptoms is not recommended.
But the dangers of fasting far outweigh its
benefits. Fasting without medical supervision is
dangerous for anyone, but especially for people
with arthritis. Fasting can cause a loss of muscle. Since people with inflammatory diseases
like RA often have low muscle mass to begin
with, fasting may be especially dangerous.
A vegetarian diet that incorporates sufficient
nutrients from the fruit and vegetable, dairy
and meat food groups (see illustration of the
Food Guide Pyramid on page 8) can be healthy
for anyone. Check with your physician and a
dietitian before you begin a strict vegetarian
diet to make sure you are not missing out on
any of the essential nutrients.
FISH OILS/PLANT OILS

Studies have shown that people with RA have


had improvement in pain or joint tenderness
after taking fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids, including oils from some
cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and herring, modify the inflammation associated with
RA. Studies show that some plant oils, such as

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information about arthritis, call 800/283-7800.

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borage oil and evening primrose oil, also may


ease RA symptoms. Talk with your doctor
before attempting to treat your arthritis by supplementing your diet with fish oils or plant oils.
As you can see, researchers have examined
many types of diets. Because there are no special
diets that have been consistently beneficial for
people with arthritis, doctors generally advise
their patients against experimenting with diet.
Instead, doctors encourage people with arthritis
to follow healthy nutritional practices.
How Researchers Test Diets

To determine the effects of a particular diet


on arthritis, researchers divide people who have
arthritis into two groups at random. One group
follows a diet containing the food or foods being studied; the other group follows a diet
without those kinds of foods. Neither group of
participants is told which food is being tested.
Both groups follow their diets for a number of
weeks while adhering to their regular medical
treatment programs throughout the study.
Researchers measure the changes, such as
decreased swelling in joints, in each study participant and compare the total changes between the
two groups to determine if the tested diet made a
difference. The study is then repeated three or
four times with other groups of people to see if
the results are similar. Only after such a series of
tests do the researchers consider the test results
conclusive and the diet treatments effective.

Unfortunately, most claims for cure-all diets


or nutritional supplements have not been scientifically tested to determine if they work and
if they are safe. The scientific studies associated
with these claims are often incomplete and may
be harmful instead of beneficial.
Some diets and supplements promoted as
arthritis cures are outright frauds; others simply
havent been sufficiently tested. Some of the
specific diets that are known to have harmful
side effects include those that rely on large
doses of alfalfa, copper salts or zinc, or the socalled immune power diet or the lowcalorie/low-fat/ low-protein diet.
QUESTIONS ABOUT DIET CLAIMS

When you hear diet claims in the treatment


of arthritis, ask the following questions:
Does the diet eliminate any complete group of
foods from the Food Guide Pyramid? (See
page 8)
Does the diet stress only a few foods or eliminate others?
Does following the diet have any potentially
harmful effects?
Does the diet have only personal testimonies,
rather than scientific evidence, to support it?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions,


it is probably an unproven diet.
TRYING A CHANGE IN DIET

Unproven Diet Claims

Today, there are many claims that special


diets, foods or supplements can cause or cure
arthritis. Many of these claims generate a lot of
publicity. The idea that there are simple
answers to complicated autoimmune diseases is
very appealing.

You should be suspicious of any diet that


claims to treat or cure arthritis. If such a diet
existed, you can be sure your doctor would
know about it and recommend the diet to you.
Still, many people believe their arthritis is linked to what they eat, and they are tempted to try
various kinds of diets and supplements. If you

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information about arthritis, call 800/283-7800.

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think something in your diet makes your arthritis better or worse, talk to your doctor and a dietitian. Continue your regular medical care for
arthritis even if you decide to try a diet change.

Talk to your physician about how the medications you take affect your nutritional status
and whether a vitamin supplement may be useful for you.

GUIDE TO A HEALTHY DIET

What Is a Good Diet?

Because there are more than 100 types of


arthritis and related diseases, no single diet will
help everyone. However, doctors strongly recommend that people with arthritis or related
conditions follow a diet based on variety, balance and moderation. A balanced diet can help
you feel better and stay healthy; prevent chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular
disease; and be a positive step toward managing
your arthritis.
Good nutrition can be a challenge. People
with certain kinds of arthritis may have difficulty preparing foods because of joint pain,
swelling, limited mobility and fatigue. Some
arthritis medications may lessen appetite and
cause stomach upset. Pain and the depression
that can accompany chronic illness also can
affect a persons appetite or eating habits.
Certain kinds of arthritis and some of the
medications doctors prescribe also can affect
how well your body uses what you eat. For
example, glucocorticoids used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can cause your body to lose potassium and retain sodium. Some antacids, which
may be taken to reduce stomach irritation, also
contain high levels of sodium, calcium and magnesium. It is important to know this if you have
kidney problems, which can make it harder for
your body to regulate these important minerals.
Methotrexate, used for RA, myositis (my-oSY-tis) and psoriatic arthritis (sore-ee-AAHtick ar-THRY-tis), can lower levels of folic acid.
Having a folic acid deficiency may predispose
you to methotrexate toxicity.

Experts recommend seven basic guidelines


for a balanced, healthy diet. You can use these
guidelines in planning meals every day. The following sections explain how each of the guidelines is helpful to people with arthritis or a
related condition.
Guidelines for a Healthy Diet
Eat a variety of foods, and avoid those that
can interact with your medications.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Use fat and cholesterol in moderation.
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and wholegrain products.
Use sugar and salt in moderation.
Drink alcohol in moderation.
Take in the daily requirements of vitamins and
minerals, including calcium.

EAT A VARIETY OF FOODS

Most Americans dont eat enough whole


grains, fruits and vegetables. A good diet
includes choices from each of five different
groups of foods: breads and grains; fruits; vegetables; dairy products; and meats. This variety
ensures that you get the 40 or more nutrients
your body needs to grow and function.
Arthritis can make it difficult to eat a proper
variety of foods, especially when pain, fatigue
or depression lowers the appetite or when painful joints and loss of mobility cause people to
avoid foods that require time or effort to pre-

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information about arthritis, call 800/283-7800.

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pare. Follow the tips below to simplify food


preparation.
Health professionals can refer you to dietitians or occupational therapists that can give
you advice on making food preparation easier.
Make Meal Preparation Easier
Plan rest breaks during meal preparation time.
Use good posture to avoid fatigue or strain
while performing kitchen tasks.
Arrange your kitchen for maximum convenience; keep the utensils you use most where
they are easy to reach.
Use labor-saving kitchen gadgets and appliances, such as electric can openers and microwave ovens, to make cooking tasks easier.
Be on the lookout for healthy convenience
foods at the grocery store, such as pre-sliced
or chopped vegetables.
Add fresh fruit and whole-grain bread to a
frozen dinner to make a complete, satisfying meal.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

People who are overweight are at greater


risk for and have greater difficulty with osteoarthritis. If you are overweight, work with a
registered dietitian and your doctor to find a
lifelong weight-management plan that is right
for you. A good plan will include balance,
variety and moderation in your diet, as well as
regular exercise.
It is important to limit foods high in fats and
foods and beverages high in sugar, such as soda
and fruit juice. A daily walk or swim can allow
you to get the exercise you need without placing too much stress on your joints.

USE FAT AND CHOLESTEROL IN MODERATION

Many adults with arthritis also have high


blood pressure or heart disease. Reducing fats
and cholesterol in your diet will help control or
prevent these diseases.
Because fat is a source of concentrated calories, eating less fat may help you maintain or
lose weight. To follow a diet low in saturated fat
and cholesterol, choose low-fat cuts of meat,
such as poultry or flank steak; use nonfat or
low-fat dairy products; and limit amounts of
fats, oils, salad dressings, sweets and alcohol in
your diet. A daily serving of meat or fish the
size of a deck of playing cards, or about 3 to 4
ounces, is adequate for most adults.
EAT PLENTY OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES
AND WHOLE-GRAIN PRODUCTS

Fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products


help give you vitamins and can keep your bowels regular. Most of these foods also are low in
fat and high in fiber, and in increased amounts,
can help you lose weight. Foods high in complex carbohydrates are useful in weight control
because they give you a feeling of fullness.
Fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products
also are excellent sources of fiber and can help
you avoid constipation. Fiber comes from the
parts of plants your body cannot digest. Some
fibers, such as oat bran, help lower cholesterol
levels. It is better to get fiber naturally from
foods instead of taking supplements.
USE SUGAR AND SALT IN MODERATION

Sugars provide sweetness to your food, but


they also add calories and promote weight gain
and tooth decay. You should check the sugar
content of the foods you eat. To do so, look for
the words dextrose, sucrose, fructose, honey,

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information about arthritis, call 800/283-7800.

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Lima Beans

Whole-Grain
Breads

Potatoes

Popcorn

Corn

Beans

Peas
Pasta
Rice

Breads

Vegetables

Fruits

Pasta
Cereals
Examples of starch foods

Examples of high-fiber foods

corn syrup solids, dextrine and maltadextrine


to determine whether there is added sugar.
Adults with arthritis who also have high
blood pressure have to be careful not to eat too
much salt (sodium). Its not just a matter of
how much salt you add at the table: A lot of
processed food such as canned soups, packaged
sauces and gravies, pickles, prepared frozen
dinners, restaurant fast foods and tomato products are high in salt.
Some arthritis drugs, such as glucocorticoids
(prednisone), also may cause the body to retain
too much sodium. Sodium causes your body to
retain water, which can affect your blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend a low-sodium diet to help with this problem. Many foods
now come in low- or no-salt-added forms. This
makes it easier to maintain a low-sodium diet.
Another way to cut down on sodium is to
remove the salt shaker from your table. You also
may want to talk with your doctor or dietitian
about whether a salt substitute would be useful
for you.

Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation

Alcohol can have many adverse effects on


your health. Excessive alcohol use can weaken
your bones, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Alcohol also adds unwanted pounds because it
adds extra calories to your diet.
Alcohol does not mix well with certain
arthritis medications. For instance, stomach
problems are more likely if you combine alcohol with aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Large amounts
of alcohol combined with acetaminophen or
methotrexate can cause liver damage.
Alcohol also can increase uric acid in the
blood and aggravate gout. If you are taking any
medications for arthritis you should check
with your doctor about drinking alcohol, even
in moderation.
The Food Guide Pyramid

The Food Guide Pyramid developed by the


U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health
and Human Services illustrates how to follow

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
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Fats, oils & sweets


Meats, eggs, poultry,
fish, nuts & dry beans

Dairy
Vegetables
Fruits
Breads
& grains

Following the Food Guide Pyramid can help you


eat a well-balanced diet that consists primarily
of grains, fruits and vegetables.

dietary guidelines and make wise food choices.


Select most foods from the bottom two levels
of the pyramid (whole grains/cereals, fruits
and vegetables) and fewer foods from the top
(fats, oils and sweets), based on the recommended number of servings. Eat a variety of
foods from the five major food groups to help
provide all the nutrients your body needs
each day.
Following the Food Guide Pyramid will help
you eat a balanced diet that consists primarily of
whole grains, fruits and vegetables, with moderate amounts of sugar, sodium and saturated fat.
It also will help you get the right amount of
calories to maintain a healthy weight.
The Food Labeling Act

Since 1994, a comprehensive nutrition label


has been required for most food products.
Although some packages did list ingredients in
the past, there were no standards for comparing
one food with another. The current label
required by the Food Labeling Act helps you
make smart choices for a healthier diet.

The required food label makes it easier to compare


food choices so you know what youre eating.

The Food Labeling Act also set new guidelines for health claims a food manufacturer can
make. Claims like fat-free, cholesterol-free,
low-sodium and others are now defined by
government standards. The list on the next
page defines these and other claims:
Fat-free: A food that has less than 0.5 grams
of fat per serving, with no added fat or oil
Low-fat: 3 grams of fat per serving
Less fat: 25 percent or less fat than the comparison food
Saturated fat-free: Less than 0.5 grams of
saturated fat and 0.5 grams of trans-fatty
acids per serving

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Cholesterol-free: Less than 2 mg cholesterol


per serving, and 2 grams or less saturated fat
per serving
Low cholesterol: 20 mg or less cholesterol
per serving and 2 grams or less saturated fat
per serving
High-fiber: 5 grams or more fiber per serving
Sodium-free or salt-free: Less than 5 mg of
sodium per serving
Low sodium: 140 mg or less per serving
Sugar-free: Less than 0.5 grams of sugar
per serving
Healthy: A food low in fat, saturated fat,
cholesterol and sodium, and contains at least
10 percent of the daily values for vitamin A,
vitamin C, iron, calcium, protein or fiber

Nutrition on the Net


The Internet is a valuable resource for finding
additional nutrition information.These Web sites are
a good starting point.
United States Department of Agriculture:
www.usda.gov
American Dietetic Association:
www.eatright.org
The Food and Agriculture Organization:
www.fao.org
To learn more about dietary guidelines:
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/dga/dguide95.html
To view the Food Guide Pyramid:
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/Fpyr/pyramid.html

IN SUMMARY

Researchers continue to look with


increased interest at several roles diet may
play in arthritis and stress the importance of
a healthy diet for people with arthritis. There
are two major ways to change to a healthier
diet: Add variety to your diet and eat more
foods with fiber and starch; and reduce your
intake of salt, fat, cholesterol, sugar and alcohol. Making these changes will help you
maintain or achieve a healthy weight, the
foundation for improved quality of life for
many people with arthritis.
FOR MORE INFORMATION

There are many sources for answers to


your questions about diet. A good place to
start is with your doctor. Your doctor can
refer you to experts in diet and nutrition for
help with applying diet guidelines, planning
a weight-loss program, and answering any of
your questions.

THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is


to improve lives through leadership in the
prevention, control and cure of arthritis and
related diseases.
The Arthritis Foundation supports research
with the greatest potential for advances and has
invested more than $320 million in these efforts
since its inception in 1948. Additionally, the
Arthritis Foundation supports key public policy
and advocacy efforts at a local and national level
in order to make a difference on behalf of 70
million people living with arthritis.
As your partner in taking greater control of
arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation also offers a
large number of programs and services nationwide to make life with arthritis easier and less
painful and to help you become an active partner in your own health care.
Contact us at (800) 283-7800 or visit us on
the Web at www.arthritis.org to become an

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information about arthritis, call 800/283-7800.

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Arthritis Advocate or to find out how you can


become involved.
The Arthritis Foundation acknowledges with
appreciation Carol Henderson, PhD, RD, LD,

Georgia State University, Atlanta; Richard


Panush, MD, St. Barnabas Medical Center,
Livingston, N.J.; and Laura Robbins, DSW, Hospital
for Special Surgery, New York, for their assistance
with this booklet.

For more information: The Arthritis Foundation offers a wide variety of books, brochures and videos about different forms of arthritis, treatment and self-management techniques to help you take control of your arthritis.
To order any of these products, become an Arthritis Foundation member or to subscribe to the Arthritis
Foundation's award-winning consumer health magazine, Arthritis Today, call (800) 283-7800. Call or visit our
Web site (www.arthritis.org) to find out how you can take control of your arthritis and start living better today!
This brochure has been reviewed by the
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RHEUMATOLOGY.

MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Arthritis Foundation
is to improve lives through leadership
in the prevention, control and cure
of arthritis and related diseases.

2003. Arthritis Foundation, Inc., Atlanta, GA. All rights reserved. For individual use only. Material in this
publication may not be reprinted without permission. Send requests for reprint permissions in writing to
1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information about arthritis, call 800/283-7800.

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