The Arthritis Foundation is one of the most straightforward and helpful websites on the world wide web. Maybe you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, lyme disease, fibromyalgia or any one of the other 100 inflammatory ailments that fall under the "arthritis" banner. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the importance of an early diagnosis cannot be overstated when it comes to pain management and protecting your joints.

The Arthritis Foundation offers many events and programs year-round to help those suffering with this disease, as well as their friends and family who are right there suffering with them. The "Time to Walk the Walk" event encourages you to be a team captain or just take a walk to fundraise for the cure, making a difference in the lives of almost 46 million people who live with the daily pain of this condition.

The "Life Improvement Series" program is designed to help sufferers with pain management and functionality. The "Joints In Motion" marathon training program and "The Jingle Bell Run/Walk" are two more events that help raise money and connect people with arthritis, to find greater strength in numbers.

Each year, the traditional black-tie gala dinners, wine events and themed parties raise more than $8 million for chronic pain research. By getting involved, you can restore a sense of control and improve your morale, while doing what you can.

You can get the latest news and advocacy information through the Arthritis Foundation website. Read about the latest on the Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act that is being passed around Congress or about which representatives are fighting for you.

Read inspirational stories, like how Lynn Sanders, a volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation, started her own foundation called "Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Network C.A.R.E.S. INC" to educate and help with pain management. Read about highlights from the 10th Annual Advocacy Summit and remain informed with all the latest news!

Even if you don't know what's causing your chronic pain, the Arthritis Foundation can give you information about the 100+ diseases classified as "arthritis." The website is no substitute for a doctor's visit and professional medical advice, but reading about signs, symptoms and potential treatments can at least guide you toward living a relatively pain-free life.

So many Americans silently suffer, opting to take a nap, sit by the sidelines or withdraw themselves from their everyday activities. Yet by learning more about this condition, you'll find that living a satisfying life is still possible!

Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our portal for more great information on the arthritis foundation, and leave a comment at our arthritis treatment blog.