Arthritis Facts and Statistics from the CDC

By Jane Farrell

Here, from the Centers for Disease Control, is information you need to know about arthritis:

What is arthritis?

• Arthritis is an umbrella term encompassing more than 100 conditions affecting joints and connective tissue.
• As there are different types of arthritis, there is no uniform set of symptoms. In general, arthritis and other related conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around joints. Symptoms can develop gradually or they can appear suddenly.
• Conditions are clinically diagnosed by assessing medical history, symptoms and laboratory studies.

Who is affected?

• Arthritis affects one in five adults in the United States
  • This equates to an estimated 52.5 million adults.
  • Projections estimate this figure will rise to 67 million by the year 2030.
• Two-thirds of people with arthritis are younger than age 65.
• A greater proportion of Caucasians (22%) report doctor-diagnosed arthritis than Hispanics (16%).
• However, Hispanics and African-Americans report higher rates of activity limitations and severe pain in comparison to Caucasians.

What is the impact of arthritis?

• Activity limitations are common: over 22.7 million adults experience limitations in everyday activities due to arthritis.
• Among adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, many report significant limitations in vital activities:
  • walking 1/4 mile – 6 million
  • stooping/ bending/ kneeling – 8 million
  • climbing stairs – 5 million
  • social activities such as church and family gatherings – 2 million
• One quarter of adults with doctor diagnosed arthritis report severe pain in the last 30 days.
• Arthritis commonly occurs with and can complicate the management of other chronic diseases
  • More than half the people with heart disease and diabetes also have arthritis.
  • People with heart disease or diabetes in conjunction with arthritis are more likely to be inactive than people with none or just one of those conditions.
  • Nearly one-third (30%) of obese Americans have arthritis; the combination of obesity and arthritis makes them 44% more likely to be inactive.

What is the cost to society?

• Total cost attributable to arthritis was estimated at $128 Billion in 2003, $81 Billion in direct medical expenses, and $47 Billion in indirect costs such as lost wages.
• Arthritis is the most common cause of disability among adults in the United States. Arthritis causes work limitations for 30% of working age people with the condition.
  • An estimated 8.8 million working Americans report work limitations.
• Arthritis negatively impacts the ability of American adults ≥45 years old to volunteer (or do unpaid work outside of their home).
  • 41% of people with arthritis (4.9 million) who volunteer reported arthritis impedes their ability to volunteer.

27% (6.8 million) of people with arthritis who do not volunteer cited arthritis as their main barrier to doing so.