National Arthritis Awareness Month
Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States, affecting 1 in every 4 Â adults, nearly 300,000 children and countless families and loved ones. The physical pain it causes can make everyday tasks difficult if not impossible. Perhaps worst of all, arthritis steals quality of life, preventing people from doing the things they love, like favorite hobbies or activities and even simple pleasures like picking up their child.
Arthritis Prevalence
By conservative estimates, about 54 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
Almost 300,000 babies and children have arthritis or a rheumatic condition.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated 31 million Americans.
Number of people expected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis by the year 2040: more than 78 million.
Who Gets Arthritis
Doctor-diagnosed arthritis is more common in women (26%) than in men (18%). In some types, such as rheumatoid arthritis, women far outnumber men.
Economic Cost of Arthritis
Almost two-thirds of adults in the U.S. with arthritis are of working age (18-64 years).
Arthritis and other non-traumatic joint disorders are among the five most costly conditions among adults 18 and older.
Arthritis and related conditions account for more than $156 billion annually in lost wages and medical expenses.
There are nearly 1 million hospitalizations each year due to arthritis.