Organizations -

for information on Arthritis

Turn to worldwide, federal, state and local associations to stay informed about Arthritis. Get on their mailing lists and stay tuned to the latest information about new treatments, drug therapies, OTC medication, surgeries and other pain relief and prevention solutions.

 Keep their information handy in a file cabinet and online in your computer for quick, handy reference in times of pain and stress.

Here are some places to begin gathering information from:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
6300 North River Road
Rosemont Illinois 60018-4262
Phone (847) 823-7186 or (800) 346-AAOS
Fax (847) 823-8125

The AAOS offers educational and facility management services for orthopedic surgeons and allied health professionals. This organization, with over 16,000 members, also serves as an advocate for improved patient care. And they educate the general public about orthopedic science. Check out their “Public Education” area online for public service announcements, educational and other opportunities.

American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
http://www.rheumatology.org
1800 Century Place, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30345-4300
Phone: (404) 633-3777
Fax: (404) 633-1870

ACR is the professional organization of rheumatologists and associated health professionals; including psychologists, practicing physicians, nurses, research scientists, physical and occupational therapists and social workers. They focus on healing, preventing disability and curing over 100 types of Arthritis and related disabling, sometimes fatal, disorders of the bones, muscles and joints. Visit their Patients and Public section online for educational, assistance and other information and articles.

American Pain Foundation
http://www.painfoundation.org/default.asp
201 N. Charles Street, Suite 710
Baltimore,Maryland 21201-4111
Toll-Free: 1-888-615-PAIN

The American Pain Foundation is a nonprofit information resource and patient advocacy group. They help people with pain. Their mission is to improve the quality of life of people with pain by providing practical information for patients, raising public awareness and understanding of pain, and advocating against barriers to effective treatment. Subscribe to their print and online newsletters; back issues are archived online. And check out their online resource library with a specific section on Arthritis and their free online Pain Action Guide.

Arthritis Foundation
http://www.Arthritis.org
P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta, GA 30357-0669
(800) 283-7800

The Arthritis Foundation works to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of Arthritis and related diseases. They supports the more than 100 types of Arthritis and related conditions with advocacy, programs, services and research. And they provide large number of community-based services including: grant opportunities, self-help courses, water and land-based exercise classes, support and home study groups, instructional videotapes, public forums, free educational brochures and booklets, a national, bimonthly consumer magazine Arthritis Today, and continuing education courses and publications for health professionals. Join in their online communities, learn about upcoming events and programs and more.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Arthritis Division
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/Arthritis/index.htm
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333
Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435

The organization mentions lists Arthritis in “The Nation's Leading Cause of Disability” section. Check out their health communications, state-funded programs and research. Check out their most recent statistics on Arthritis. Sign up for their free email alerts in English or Spanish.

Hospital for Special Surgery &Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery
http://www.hss.edu http://rheumatology.hss.edu
Hospital for Special Surgery
535 East 70th Street
New York NY 10021
Phone: (212) 606-1000

The Hospital for Special Surgery specializes in orthopedics, rheumatology, and rehabilitation in the United States. The Division of Rheumatology of The Hospital for Special Surgery features patient care, clinical training research methodology and community programs to educate and assist patients. They are specialists in joint replacement and share up-to-date medical musculoskeletal information to patients, physicians and caregivers. Check out their online listing of Conditions and Treatments in alphabetical order, in text, video and audio files, all available at the click of your mouse.

Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
http://www.hopkins-Arthritis.org
Johns Hopkins Medical Center
5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
Phone: (410) 550-2400
FAX: (410) 550-5601

Johns Hopkins Center provides a easy-to-navigate, top-quality, interactive, educational site about Arthritis, focusing mainly on rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoArthritis. Click and Ask the Expert questions, communicate on their message board, head to the drug corner for the latest Drug Information Sheets, and more.

National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
http://www.nih.gov/niams
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda MD 20892-3675
Phone: (301) 495-4484 or (877) 22-NIAMS (226-4267) (free of charge)
TTY: (301) 565-2966 / Fax: (301) 718-6366

This group is a clearinghouse for information about forms of Arthritis and rheumatic disease and bone, muscle and skin diseases. They distribute patient and professional education materials and refer people to other sources of information. Get help in English or Spanish about Arthritis health topics, patient studies, outreach programs, their coalition members, press releases, upcoming events and publications.