Even if arthritis patients feel alone, they are not. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three American adults suffers from joint problems, such as arthritis. Millions of Americans with arthritis are leading normal lives working, taking care of families and enjoying active social lives. Arthritis need not be a barrier to meeting new people and forming close relationships, whether it is making friends or finding a partner.

Establishing close relationships is an important part of managing arthritis. Friends, family members and significant others can help fight low self-esteem and depression, distract from the pain and offer support when symptoms occur. Research has shown that a strong support system can improve arthritis patients’ physical health (“Social support, disability and depression: a longitudinal study of rheumatoid arthritis,” Social science and medicine.

However, not all arthritis patients are comfortable approaching someone they just met and talking openly about their condition. Arthritis can make it difficult for people to get involved in a relationship. They may not tell new acquaintances about their condition out of fear of being judged or rejected. Others may find it frustrating to try to explain their condition to someone they have just met.

Here are some tips to help arthritis patients:

· Keep up your social contacts. People meet through work, friends, family, church and clubs. Maintain these connections even if you are tired or in pain. If you can’t, find new activities to replace the ones you no longer feel capable of doing.

· Tell new acquaintances about your condition when you feel it is appropriate. You don’t have to inform your date about your condition right away. Tell him/her when you feel comfortable talking about it. You can casually mention it in a conversation on the first date or wait until after several dates. One way to bring it up is to mention an upcoming doctor’s appointment.

· Remember that most relationships are based on shared interests and not just physical appearances. Swollen joints and other visible reminders of arthritis, including operation scars, can have an effect on your self-confidence. This may inhibit you from developing intimate relationships. However, remember most relationships gradually evolve over time from shared interests to a closer, more intimate relationship.

· Communicate honestly with your partner about your condition. Don’t try to hide your arthritis from your partner or overcompensate for it. If walking around the shopping mall is painful, tell them. If your joints stiffen in long car rides, let them know. Be honest about any concerns you have and discuss what the two of you can do to overcome these difficulties. Educating your partner about your condition and medications will provide him or her with a better understanding of your condition and how best to help you. 

· Talk with others with arthritis. Talking with others about arthritis at support groups or on Internet message boards and chat rooms can help you open up and learn how to become comfortable talking about your condition.

Remember: Establishing and maintaining a close support system can help manage your arthritis. Arthritis shouldn’t stop you from enjoying an active social life, even if you experience fears of being judged or rejected.