Rheumatoid Arthritis

10 Inspiring Rheumatoid Arthritis Social Media Accounts to Follow

Having RA can feel lonely, but these social media influencers with RA will help you feel understood and connected, plus you’ll learn some helpful coping tips.

By  and Shannon UllmanMedically Reviewed by 
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Find out how others cope with RA by checking out these social media accounts.Luis Velasco/Stocksy

When you live with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness can take both a physical and an emotional toll.

“One of the biggest problems for people managing RA is that the source of their symptoms is generally invisible to others,” says Paul Sufka, MD, a rheumatologist in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota.

“It often takes a trained examiner to note the joint swelling associated with RA,” says Dr. Sufka, “and the pain and other symptoms, such as fatigue, or side effects of medications, such as nausea, are completely invisible.”

RA symptoms can also be isolating. You might stay home from events because of the pain, and you might even feel alienated when friends or family members make well-meaning comments. People often try to commiserate with those who have RA by lamenting their own knee or back pain, not realizing that RA is actually a systemic condition, says Sufka.

Social media can help by connecting people with RA to others who are living with the condition, as well as organizations that share the latest tips and advice.

“Connecting with others,” says Sufka, “is a great way for people with RA to better understand their condition and get tips regarding management.” Of course, as with social media generally, you can’t believe everything you read on RA-specific sites. “Unfortunately, not everyone is an expert on their condition,” Sufka says, “so it’s easy to come across inaccurate information.”

Before you make any changes in your RA management routine based on something you’ve read online, speak to your healthcare provider.

In the meantime, for inspiration and ideas, follow these accounts on living with RA.

Ali DiGiacomo

A self-described rheumatoid arthritis warrior, Ali DiGiacomo is a chronic illness advocate and lifestyle blogger who shares videos of what it's like to live with RA. DiGiacomo offers honest insights into the highs and lows of living with a chronic condition — including the not-so-fun injections — as well as tips, advice, and resources for others living with RA. Her virtual, down-to-earth space is a source of comfort and encouragement for many.

Arthritis Foodie

Emily Johnson is an author, influencer, and kindhearted voice behind Arthritis Foodie, a blog dedicated to exploring and sharing natural remedies for living with RA. A big believer in the power of what we put on our plates, she shares recipes and tips for using food to "feel better and more in control" of your chronic condition. Johnson also recently released her first book, Beat Arthritis Naturally, which offers 65 recipes and tips to help you take charge of your RA.

Arthritis Life

Founded by RA advocate and writer Cheryl Crow, Arthritis Life is a platform for people with rheumatic diseases to share their stories and connect. Crow posts interviews with medical professionals and influential figures in the RA community, plus tips on how to not just manage RA symptoms but to also live a happy and healthy life. She even has a podcast dedicated to the stories of people with RA.

CreakyJoints

This online community of people with arthritis was cofounded by an arthritis patient himself. Much of the content is created by patients for patients. CreakyJoints covers topics such as arthritis-friendly gadgets, new treatments, dealing with the emotional aspects of RA, and navigating doctor-patient relationships, and it’s got some humorous content, too, to lighten things up. The organization also offer tons of formats for patients to tell their stories so people in the community can connect and learn from each other.

Eileen Davidson

As a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate, Eileen Davidson uses her platform to raise awareness about the seriousness of a disease that's all too often brushed off. She shares her personal journey with RA, advocating for greater education and access to treatment, as well as advice on how to live with this condition on a daily basis. Her social media content paints a realistic picture of how RA impacts her life — and what she does to keep on living it.

Liv Loo

Being diagnosed with RA at the tender age of 4, Liv Loo has a nearly lifelong experience of living with pain. She discovered movement to be so healing for her physical and mental health that she decided to become a personal trainer to help other people in the same chronic boat. Loo's social media accounts are filled with helpful information, tips, and exercises for people living with RA and other chronic conditions.

MegzzFitness

Megan Tovar is a personal trainer who happens to have RA. On her social media, she shares helpful tips on how to stay active and healthy with RA — including exercise routines and modifications tailored for those living with chronic pain. Her content is inspiring and empowering, showing that you don't have to limit yourself because of your condition.

Raven Takes RA

If you're looking for a spark of RA-related positivity, look no further than Raven Takes RA. Her page is filled with vulnerability and relatable stories on living with chronic illness, plus helpful advice and resources for self-care. She has a heart of gold that shines through every post — offering hope to those who feel like they're alone.

Taking the Long Way Home

As an avid runner, an RA diagnosis could have been a devastating end to Wendy Rivard’s lifelong passion. Instead, she started this blog as a way to document her journey of learning how to live with her condition, even with setbacks. Along the way, she shares advice, tips on dealing with pain, and an abundance of infectious positivity that will inspire anyone living with RA.

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Mama

Renee Anderson, aka The Rheumatoid Arthritis Mama, is an advocate committed to helping women — especially mothers — learn to live with their diagnosis. She shares her personal story of living with RA while parenting three kids and shares her tips on navigating family life with a chronic condition. Anderson also directs The Rheumatoid Arthritis Mamas Sisterhood, a free Facebook group for women to share their stories and support each other.