Arthritis affects one out of every five Americans – an estimated 52.5 million people – and is the leading cause of disability in the nation. The condition itself can make it difficult and painful to conduct even the most mundane daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer, or brushing your teeth. The term “arthritis” encompasses over 100 rheumatic conditions that impact the body’s joints, causing pain and inflammation to those who suffer with it.

1. Arthritis is America's #1 cause of disability
The Bare Bones of
Facts & Tips You Can Flex
The most common form of arthritis - osteoarthritis
(OA) - is most prevalent in people over 60.
Arthritis is one of the oldest diseases known to man and
has been discovered in the remains of people who lived over
500,000 years ago.
Did you know?
67,000,000
Americans are anticipated
to have arthritis
By 2030,
1 in 20 U.S.
workers face
limitations due
to arthritis
1 in 9 U.S. adults with arthritis report limitations on their
social life and feel that they are unable to participate in
activites like shopping, going to movies, visiting friends, etc.11%
1 in 3 U.S. adults with arthritis report
having anxiety or depression33%
5%
60.7%
of diagnosed cases
are female
39.3%
of diagnosed cases
are male
children in the U.S.
are living with
juvenile arthritis
300,000
Approximately
Annual number of joint replacements:
Annual expense of arthritis treatment and associated costs:
$86,200,000,000
Common types of exercises recommended for arthritis:
Range-of-motion
exercises
Strengthening
exercises
Aerobic
exercises
Gentle exercise
like yoga and tai chi
52,500,000Americans, or 1 in every 5 adults
are affected by arthritis
Today, an estimated
As our nation’s population ages, the
prevalence is expected to increase
The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation, but the term has adopted
a wider meaning. In public health, arthritis is used as an umbrella term for
more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the
tissues which surround joints and other connective tissue.
Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness,
inflammation and damage to joint cartilage and surrounding
structures. This damage can interfere with the
most basic of daily tasks such as walking,
climbing stairs, using a computer, preparing food
or even brushing your teeth.
RHEUMATOID
ARTHRITIS (RA) FIBROMYALGIA OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA)GOUT
MILLION
1.5
MILLION
27
MILLION
3 MILLION
5
Diagnosis in the United States
by the numbers:
The most common forms of arthritis in the Unites States are rheumatoid
arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
The focus of treatment for arthritis is to control pain, minimize joint
damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. According
to the American College of Rheumatology, the treatment of arthritis
might involve the following:
Medication
Nonpharmacologic
therapies
Physical therapy
Splints or joint
assistive aids
Patient education
and support
Weight loss
Surgery
Occupational
therapy
Getting enough rest, doing the right exercise, eating a healthy, well-
balanced diet, and learning the right way to use and protect your joints
are keys to living with any kind of arthritis.
You might have some type of arthritis if you have:
If any one of these symptoms lasts more than 2 weeks, if you have a
fever, feel physically ill, suddenly have a swollen joint, or have problems
using your joint – see your doctor right away.
Warmth and
redness in a joint
Ongoing joint pain Joint stiffness
Joint swelling
Tenderness or
pain when
touching a joint
Problems using
or moving a
joint normally
Recent studies have shown that moderate physical activity 5 or more
days a week can help to relieve arthritis pain and stiffness and give you
more energy. An activity that produces a slight increase in heart rate or
breathing is considered moderate physical activity. Exercise can help:
Strengthen muscles
around joints
Maintain
bone strength
Promote
restful sleep
Increase strength
and energy
Retain normal
joint movement
Reduce pressure
on joints by
losing or
maintaining weight
Keep bone and
cartilage healthy
Talk to your doctor
Remember, pain and arthritis do not have to be part of
growing older. You can work with your doctor to safely
lessen the pain and stiffness and to prevent more
serious damage to your joints.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has created the Go4Life® campaign
to help you start and stick with a safe exercise program.
visit: www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life
to find exercises, tip sheets, personal success stories, and more!
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm#12
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/arthritis-advice
http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/Encyclopedia/Content.aspx?ContentTypeID=85&ContentID=P00068
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/resources/spotlights/report-restrictions-social-life.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/resources/spotlights/physical-emotional.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971
http://www.statisticbrain.com/arthritis-statistics/
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