Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) is a non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to supporting research into the prevention and cure of arthritis and providing services to improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Arthritis, an inflammatory condition of the joints that may result in swelling and pain, is a joint disease that may be due to a number of different underlying causes. Established in 1948, the Arthritis Foundation disseminates information worldwide on how arthritis is diagnosed, how it is inherited, how it affects pregnancy, its potential symptoms, and treatments. The organization works for all people affected by any of the more than 100 forms of arthritis or related diseases. In nationwide chapters, the foundation helps support research, offers professional and community education programs, provides referral services, engages in government advocacy, and conducts fund-raising activities.