National Arthritis Awareness Month
May 1 - May 31
About National Arthritis Awareness Month
National Arthritis Awareness Month is observed throughout May each year in the United States, raising awareness about arthritis as the nation’s leading cause of disability. Led by the Arthritis Foundation and supported by healthcare organisations, patient advocates, and research institutions, the month promotes education about prevention, management, and research into the more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions.
What is National Arthritis Awareness Month?
National Arthritis Awareness Month is a federally designated health observance that draws attention to the enormous impact of arthritis on individuals, families, and the healthcare system. The campaign is spearheaded by the Arthritis Foundation, the largest organisation in the United States dedicated to fighting arthritis, which uses the month to educate the public, advocate for research funding, and connect patients with resources and support. The observance covers all forms of arthritis — from the most common types, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, to less well-known conditions such as gout, lupus, and juvenile arthritis.
When is National Arthritis Awareness Month?
National Arthritis Awareness Month runs throughout May each year. In 2026, it covers Friday, 1 May to Sunday, 31 May.
Why National Arthritis Awareness Month Matters
Arthritis affects approximately 1 in 4 American adults — roughly 54 million people — making it the number one cause of disability in the United States. The condition costs the US economy over $300 billion annually in medical costs and lost earnings. Despite these staggering numbers, arthritis remains widely misunderstood. Many people associate it exclusively with old age, when in fact arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. Nearly 300,000 children in the US have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
Awareness Month serves as a vital platform for challenging these misconceptions, promoting early diagnosis, and encouraging people with arthritis to seek treatment that can improve their quality of life. If you are interested in other health-related observances during May, Mental Health Awareness Month also takes place throughout May, recognising the connection between chronic pain conditions and mental wellbeing.
How to Get Involved in National Arthritis Awareness Month
There are many ways to support arthritis awareness throughout May:
- Wear blue — Blue is the official colour of arthritis awareness. Wearing blue throughout May shows solidarity with the 54 million Americans living with the condition.
- Participate in Green Heart Fridays — For 2026, the Arthritis Foundation is running a social media campaign called Green Heart Fridays, designed to unite and inspire the arthritis community. Post a green heart on social media every Friday in May to show your support.
- Walk to Cure Arthritis — Join or sponsor a Walk to Cure Arthritis event in your area. These community walks raise funds for arthritis research and provide a visible show of support for people living with the condition.
- Educate yourself about arthritis — Learn about the different types of arthritis, their symptoms, and available treatments. The Arthritis Foundation and the American College of Rheumatology provide comprehensive patient resources.
- Share your story — If you live with arthritis, consider sharing your experience on social media using #ArthritisAwareness. Personal stories help others understand the daily reality of the condition.
- Advocate for research funding — Contact your elected representatives to support increased funding for arthritis research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Arthritis Foundation provides advocacy toolkits to help.
- Support someone with arthritis — If you know someone living with arthritis, offer practical support. Help with tasks that may be difficult for them, listen to their experiences, and avoid minimising their pain.
History of National Arthritis Awareness Month
In 1972, at the urging of the Arthritis Foundation, the United States Congress and President Richard M. Nixon designated May as National Arthritis Month. The designation recognised the enormous and growing burden of arthritis on the American population and aimed to focus public attention on the need for research, education, and improved patient care.
The Arthritis Foundation, founded in 1948, has been at the forefront of arthritis advocacy for more than 75 years. Originally established as the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation, the organisation was created by a group of physicians and concerned citizens who recognised that arthritis — despite being one of the most prevalent chronic conditions — received inadequate attention and funding compared to other diseases.
Over the decades, Arthritis Awareness Month has evolved to reflect advances in understanding and treatment. The discovery of biologics and other targeted therapies has transformed the management of inflammatory forms of arthritis, while growing recognition of the impact of arthritis on mental health, employment, and quality of life has broadened the scope of the awareness campaign.
Noteworthy Facts About Arthritis
- Arthritis affects approximately 1 in 4 American adults, making it the leading cause of disability in the United States.
- There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions.
- Nearly 300,000 children in the US have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
- The annual economic cost of arthritis in the US exceeds $300 billion in medical expenses and lost earnings.
- May has been designated as National Arthritis Month since 1972, when Congress and President Nixon recognised the need for greater public awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Arthritis Awareness Month?
National Arthritis Awareness Month is observed throughout May to raise awareness about arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States. The campaign is led by the Arthritis Foundation and promotes education, research, and patient support.
When is National Arthritis Awareness Month in 2026?
National Arthritis Awareness Month runs from Friday, 1 May to Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Is arthritis only a condition of old age?
No. While arthritis is more common in older adults, it affects people of all ages, including children. Nearly 300,000 children in the US have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, and many forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, often develop in people aged 30 to 50.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Arthritis Awareness Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #ArthritisAwareness and #CureArthritis on social media. The more people who understand arthritis, the greater the support for research and patient care.
Related Awareness Days
- Mental Health Awareness Month — Also observed in May, recognising the impact of mental health conditions and the connection between chronic pain and emotional wellbeing.
- World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day — Held on 12 May, raising awareness about fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.
- Lupus Awareness Month — Also observed in May, highlighting lupus, an autoimmune disease that often causes joint inflammation similar to arthritis.
Links
- Visit the official Arthritis Foundation Awareness Month page
- Arthritis National Research Foundation
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
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