If you just found out you have arthritis or a related disease, you may feel worried or unsure. You can manage these diseases well. The key is to take an active part in your care, together with your health care team. The guides below can help. Each one is a PDF you can download and print.

What Exercises Are Helpful?

People who stay active tend to be healthier. Exercise comes in three levels:

Therapeutic exercises are planned by your health care team. They work on the joints or body parts your disease affects.
Recreational activities are things like walking, swimming, biking and yoga.
Competitive activities are hard, fast exercise. They are usually not advised for people with severe inflammatory arthritis.

Download the Exercise and Arthritis guide (PDF)

The Basics of Living Well With Rheumatic Disease

About 50 million people in the United States have arthritis or another rheumatic disease. To manage them well, you need enough exercise, rest and good food.

Download the Living With Rheumatic Disease guide (PDF)

Pregnancy and Rheumatic Disease

This guide shows how pregnancy can affect diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome. It also covers what to plan for. Talk with your rheumatologist before you plan a pregnancy.

Download the Pregnancy and Rheumatic Disease guide (PDF)