Key takeaways
- Arthritis is not a single disease but a term encompassing over 100 joint disorders, affecting around 350 million people globally.
- Over 54.4 million adults in the U.S. (about 1 in 4) have been diagnosed with arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common, affecting 31 million Americans.
- Arthritis is most prevalent in adults over 65, with more than half of this age group diagnosed, and prevalence increases significantly after age 45.
- Worldwide, about 350 million people have arthritis. Osteoarthritis cases alone surged by over 130% from 1990 to 2020, highlighting a global health concern.
- Approximately 21.2% of U.S. adults, or 53.2 million people, have received a doctor’s diagnosis of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.
- WHO data shows osteoarthritis cases increased from 256 million in 1990 to 595 million in 2020, indicating a 132% rise over three decades.
- Women are more affected by arthritis than men. For osteoarthritis, women represent 60% of global cases, and for rheumatoid arthritis, the rate is 293 cases per 100,000 women compared to 131 per 100,000 men.
- Osteoarthritis affects about 32.5 million U.S. adults, with nearly 40–85% of chronic low back pain sufferers diagnosed with lumbar spine osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million U.S. adults, 70% of whom are women.
The prevalence of arthritis in the United States and globally has seen a steady increase over recent years. In the U.S., over 54.4 million adults, or roughly 1 in 4, have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and gout. The most common type, OA, affects approximately 31 million Americans.
The impact of arthritis becomes more pronounced as people age, with more than half of adults over 65 living with the condition. The prevalence of arthritis increases significantly after age 45.
Globally, arthritis remains a critical health issue. Approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. The global rise in osteoarthritis is especially concerning, with the number of affected individuals increasing by more than 130% from 1990 to 2020.
According to data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) spanning from 2019 to 2021, approximately 21.2% of US adults, totaling 53.2 million people, have received a doctor's diagnosis of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.
The prevalence of arthritis is notably higher in adults aged 63 and above, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In addition to its prevalence in the United States, arthritis has become a global concern. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that around 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis, signifying a significant increase of 113% since 1990. Similarly, for rheumatoid arthritis, the WHO estimated that 18 million individuals were affected in 2019.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation underscores the escalating global impact of osteoarthritis. In 1990, 256 million people were diagnosed with this condition. By 2020, this number surged to 595 million, representing a staggering 132% increase over the three decades. This data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive awareness, research, and healthcare strategies to address the growing prevalence and impact of arthritis worldwide.
Arthritis Statistics by age
- Arthritis is more common in older individuals aged 65 and above. Information from the CDC shows that about 47% of adults aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis.
- 26% of adults aged 45 to 64 have arthritis.
- Only 5% of adults aged 18 to 44 report having arthritis.
Arthritis statistics by type
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting about 32.5 million adults in the U.S. Nearly 40-85% of those with chronic low back pain suffer from lumbar spine osteoarthritis. The prevalence of OA increases with age, with 50% of people over 65 being affected.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA affects 1.3 million adults in the U.S. It is more common in women, with about 70% of those affected being female.
Arthritis statistics by gender
- Osteoarthritis: Women account for 60% of people living with osteoarthritis worldwide.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: women had a significantly higher prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis than men, with 293 cases per 100,000 women compared to 131 cases per 100,000 men.
Arthritis Statistics by countries
- United States: Around 24% of the U.S. population, or 53 million people, are affected by arthritis. This number is expected to grow to 67 million by 2030.
- Canada: About 13.6% of or 3.9 million Canadian adults have arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common form, affecting roughly 16% of the population.
- United Kingdom: Over 10 million individuals or 1 in 6 adults in the UK live with arthritis, making it a major cause of disability across various age groups.
- Australia: Approximately 4 million Australians suffer from arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- India: An estimated 22-39% of the Indian population is affected by arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most prevalent form, especially among older adults.
Causes of arthritis
- Genetics and Family History: Many types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have a genetic component. Studies suggest that if a close family member has arthritis, the risk of developing the condition is higher. For instance, 40% of people with RA have a family member who also suffers from it.
- Age: As people age, the risk of developing arthritis increases. Osteoarthritis, for example, is more common in individuals over 65. Nearly 80% of people over 55 show signs of joint degeneration, though not all will experience symptoms.
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop certain types of arthritis. For instance, RA affects about three times as many women as men. Additionally, conditions like lupus and fibromyalgia, which also involve joint pain, are more prevalent in women.
- Injuries and Overuse: Previous joint injuries can increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life. In fact, those who have suffered a serious injury to a joint have a higher likelihood of developing post-traumatic arthritis. Repetitive stress or overuse of a joint can also lead to OA.
- Obesity: Excess body weight places more strain on joints, particularly weight-bearing ones like the knees and hips. Obesity is a major risk factor for OA, with studies showing that obese individuals are two to four times more likely to develop knee OA than those of a healthy weight.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy joints, leading to inflammation and pain. About 1.5 million people in the U.S. are affected by RA, with many experiencing severe joint destruction.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking can all contribute to arthritis. Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of RA, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to muscle weakness and joint instability, increasing the risk of developing arthritis.
Arthritis Treatment
- Medications: data from research shows that Two-thirds of older adults with arthritis (66%) use over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs or acetaminophen. Other treatments include supplements (26%), steroid injections (19%), non-opioid pain meds (18%), opioids (14%), cannabidiol (11%), marijuana (9%), and disease-modifying drugs (4%). Marijuana, opioids, and NSAIDs were most rated as helpful.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often beneficial in managing arthritis, with more than 80% of patients reporting improvements, particularly in osteoarthritis.
- Surgical Treatments: About 1.2 million joint replacement surgeries are performed annually in the U.S. for severe arthritis cases. Success rates for knee and hip replacements are generally over 90%, with many patients reporting significant pain relief and improved mobility. Arthroscopy is another surgical approach used to treat knee arthritis.
Frequently asked questions
Is arthritis increasing?
Yes, arthritis is increasing worldwide. The number of people with osteoarthritis has more than doubled since 1990, reaching over 595 million in 2020. Rheumatoid arthritis cases have also risen by over 120% globally in the same period. Aging populations, rising obesity rates, and lifestyle factors are driving the increase. By 2050, nearly 1 billion people are expected to have osteoarthritis.
Which country has the highest rate of arthritis?
In 2021, China had the highest number of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases among 204 countries, with an estimated 128,221 cases (95% uncertainty interval: 102,852–156,715).
Who is most likely to get arthritis?
People most likely to get arthritis include:
● Older adults, especially those over 50
● Women, who are more prone than men
● People with a family history of arthritis
● Individuals who are overweight or obese
● Those with joint injuries or repetitive stress on joints
● People with certain infections or autoimmune conditions
● Older adults, especially those over 50
● Women, who are more prone than men
● People with a family history of arthritis
● Individuals who are overweight or obese
● Those with joint injuries or repetitive stress on joints
● People with certain infections or autoimmune conditions
At what age does arthritis start?
Arthritis can start at any age, but it’s most common in people over 50. Some types, like juvenile arthritis, can begin in children. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts between the ages of 30 and 50, while osteoarthritis typically develops later in life.
Is arthritis preventable?
Some types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, can be delayed or reduced by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding joint injuries. However, other types, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are not entirely preventable because they involve genetics or autoimmune factors.
What are the biggest causes of arthritis?
● Aging
● Genetics
● Joint injuries
● Obesity
● Autoimmune disorders
● Genetics
● Joint injuries
● Obesity
● Autoimmune disorders
Can arthritis go away?
No, arthritis does not go away completely. It is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be managed and reduced with treatment, exercise, a healthy diet, and lifestyle changes.
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