Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect nearly 70 million Americans, or about one of every three adults, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. As the population ages, this number will increase dramatically.

Percentage of Adults Aged 18 years or Older With Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms, by State or Territory — United States, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2001

Percentage of adults aged >/= 18 years with arthritis/chronic joint symptoms, by state/area — United States, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2001

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Source: Prevalence of Self-Reported Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms Among Adults — United States, 2001. MMWR 2002;51(42):948–950.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States

Leading Causes of Disability Among U.S. Adults, 1999

Leading causes of disability among adults, United States, 1999

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Source: Prevalence of Disabilities and Associated Health Conditions Among Adults — United States, 1999. MMWR 2001;50(7):120–5.

In addition to the physical toll, the medical and societal costs of arthritis are enormous.

Medical care for arthritis cost nearly $22 billion in 1995.
Total costs, including medical care and loss of productivity, exceeded $82 billion in 1995.

Source: Praemer, A; Furner, S; Rice, DP: Musculoskeletal Conditions in the United States, published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; Rosemont, IL, 1999.

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Who has arthritis?

The prevalence of arthritis is high for all demographic groups, but especially higher among women, older persons, and those with less education.

Prevalence of Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms (CJS) Among U.S. Adults by Gender, 2001.

Prevalence of arthritis by gender, United States, 2001

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Prevalence of Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms (CJS) Among U.S. Adults by Age Group Among U.S. Adults, 2001.

Prevalence of arthritis by age group, United States, 2001

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Prevalence of Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms (CJS) Among U.S. Adults by Educational Level, 2001.

Prevalence of arthritis by education level, United States, 2001

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Prevalence varies by race and ethnicity, being higher among Caucasians (35.3%) and African-Americans (31.5%), but somewhat lower among Hispanic-Americans (23.3%).

Prevalence of Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms (CJS) Among U.S. Adults by Race, 2001.

Prevalence of arthritis by race, United States, 2001

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People with arthritis are less active and heavier than the population in general.

Prevalence of Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms (CJS) Among U.S. Adults by Physical Activity Level, 2001.

Prevalence of arthritis by physical activity level, United States, 2001

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Recommended activity is moderate physical activity at least 5 days per week for 30 minutes or more per day, vigorous physical activity on at least 3 days per week for at least 20 minutes per day, or both. Physical activity includes leisure-time, household, and transportation.
Insufficient activity is some activity but not enough to meet recommendations.
Inactive is no reported moderate or vigorous physical activity in leisure-time, or for household or transport purposes.

Prevalence of Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms (CJS) Among U.S. Adults by Body Mass Index (BMI), 2001.

Prevalence of arthritis by body mass index (BMI), United States, 2001

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Source for all of the prevalence charts: Prevalence of Self-Reported Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms Among Adults — United States, 2001. MMWR 2002;51(42):948–950.

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The Public Health Approach

In November 1998, the first ever plan to address arthritis using a public health approach was released. This landmark plan, developed under the leadership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Arthritis Foundation, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, with input from more than 90 organizations, recommends action in three major areas for individuals and groups interested in reducing the impact of arthritis:

surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research
communication and education
programs, policies, and systems.

The National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy (NAAP) (PDF–1,248K) emphasizes broad efforts that reach population groups. This approach complements the traditional medical model that emphasizes treating the individual with arthritis.

CDC is working with others to help fulfill the aims of the National Arthritis Action Plan to

Increase public awareness of arthritis as the leading cause of disability and an important public health problem.
Prevent arthritis whenever possible.
Promote early diagnosis and appropriate management for people with arthritis to ensure them the maximum number of years of healthy life.
Minimize preventable pain and disability due to arthritis.
Support people with arthritis in developing and accessing the resources they need to cope with their disease.
Ensure that people with arthritis receive the family, peer, and community support the need.

One good example is the inclusion of arthritis objectives in Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) the health objectives for the nation. Arthritis was not even mentioned in earlier versions for Healthy People 1990 (HP1990) and Healthy People 2000 (HP2000) objectives.

The National Arthritis Action Plan highlights the need for partnerships to address this enormous public health problem. Partnerships among the medical community, voluntary, and national, state, and local public health agencies will enhance coordinated efforts to improve the quality of life among almost 70 million Americans with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms.

The National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy (NAAP)
(PDF - 1,248K)
This document is available in Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need Acrobat Reader to view this file.

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What can be done?

We can do the effective things that are not being done enough. Research shows that physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability. In addition, research studies suggest that maintaining an ideal body weight and avoiding joint injuries reduces the risk of developing arthritis and may decrease disease progression. Obtaining an early diagnosis so that appropriate management, including self-management, can be initiated may improve the quality of life for persons with arthritis.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including self-management activities such as self-help courses, weight control, and physical activity can help people with arthritis function better, stay productive, and lower health care costs.

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Arthritis

One of Three U.S. Adults Are Affected by Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms

Background

Who has arthritis?

The Public Health Approach

What can be done?

Related Links

One of Three U.S. Adults Are
Affected by Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms