Key takeaways
- Arthritis is more common in adults above 65 years (CDC)
- In 2019, about 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis; an increase of 113% since 1990 (WHO)
- In 2019, 18 million people worldwide were living with rheumatoid arthritis (WHO)
- According to the institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation In 1990, 256 million people had osteoarthritis. By 2020, this number rose to 595 million people, which was a 132% increase from 1990 (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation).
- Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis (WHO)
- Arthritis is more common in women than in men (WHO).
- In 2022, arthritis affected approximately 40% of men and 47% of women in West Virginia (Statista).
Arthritis is a prevalent and diverse group of inflammatory joint disorders that collectively affect millions of people globally. Characterized by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased joint mobility, arthritis encompasses over 100 different types, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear on the joints over time, leading to cartilage breakdown, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks joint tissues. Other forms include gout, lupus arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis disproportionately impacts older adults, but it can affect people of all ages, including children. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. While there is no cure, management focuses on alleviating symptoms through medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Research continues to explore new treatments, emphasizing the importance of early detection and comprehensive care for individuals living with arthritis.
Facts about Arthritis
- Arthritis is not a single disease but a term encompassing over 100 joint disorders, affecting around 350 million people globally.
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most prevalent types, with osteoarthritis linked to wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune condition.
- While arthritis is often associated with aging, it can affect people of all ages, including children.
- Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Some forms, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus arthritis, involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues.
- Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
- Women are more likely to develop arthritis than men, and certain types, such as rheumatoid arthritis, disproportionately affect females.
- Over time, arthritis can damage joints, leading to deformities and difficulties in performing daily activities.
- Family history can contribute to an individual's susceptibility to certain types of arthritis.
- Factors like infections and environmental exposures may trigger the onset of certain types of arthritis.
- Inflammation is a common thread in many arthritis types, contributing to pain and joint damage.
- Comorbidities: Arthritis is often associated with other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- While there is no cure for most types of arthritis, early diagnosis and effective management can alleviate symptoms.
- X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging techniques help diagnose and monitor arthritis progression.
- Treatment may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Exercise, weight management, and joint protection strategies are crucial in managing arthritis.
Important Arthritis Statistics you should know about
How many people have Arthritis?
Arthritis poses a significant health challenge globally, impacting millions of individuals across various age groups. 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). This demographic trend highlights the increased susceptibility to arthritis with advancing age.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Arthritis Statistics by age
According to the CDC 47% of adults aged 65 and older have received a diagnosis of arthritis. This figure decreases to 26% for adults aged 45 to 65 years and further to 5% for those aged 18 to 45 years. These statistics highlight a substantial increase in arthritis diagnoses with advancing age, underlining the prevalence of this condition in older populations. The progressive rise in reported diagnoses emphasizes the significance of age as a contributing factor to arthritis prevalence among adults.
Arthritis statistics by type
The most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, with 18 million individuals globally grappling with this condition. Women constitute the majority, comprising approximately 70% of those affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, a significant portion—55%—of individuals diagnosed with this form of arthritis are aged 55 years or older.
Arthritis statistics by gender
Arthritis is more common in women than in men. Statista reported that in 2022, arthritis affected approximately 40% of men and 47% of women in West Virginia.
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Sources
Arthritis. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm. Accessed 22/1/2024.
Osteoarthritis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis. Accessed 22/1/2024.
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-releases/lancet-new-study-reveals-most-common-form-arthritis#:~:text=The%20study%20found%20that%20cases,a%20132%25%20increase%20from%201990. Accessed 22/1/2024.
Adults with arthritis. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177866/adults-with-arthritis-percentage-united-states-by-state-and-gender/. Accessed 22/1/2024.
