About Arthritis

As the nation’s #1 cause of disability, arthritis affects nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children. Over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions damage the joints and often other organs.

Helpful Tools for You

Breakthrough Therapies Offering New Hope for Millions

Breakthrough Therapies Offering New Hope for Millions

The arthritis treatment landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation. For decades, patients dealing with psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis have faced limited options—often choosing between... ...more

Arthritis ,About Arthritis

September 09, 202512 min read

Non-Drug Therapies for Knee Osteoarthritis: Science-Backed Solutions That Actually Work

Non-Drug Therapies for Knee Osteoarthritis: Science-Backed Solutions That Actually Work

If you're living with knee osteoarthritis, you've likely heard that you'll need medications for the rest of your life. But groundbreaking research from 2025 reveals a surprising truth ...more

Treatment ,About Arthritis &Osteoarthritis

September 05, 202511 min read

Managing Arthritis Pain and Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Relief

Managing Arthritis Pain and Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Relief

When you wake up with stiff joints that take hours to loosen up, or experience that familiar ache whenever you grip something, you're not alone. Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, and if ... ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment

September 02, 20258 min read

Your Genes Hold the Key: Understanding Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine

Your Genes Hold the Key: Understanding Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine

How breakthroughs in genetic research are revolutionizing arthritis treatment and changing the way we approach healthcare ...more

Arthritis ,About Arthritis

August 11, 20257 min read

4 Foods Secretly Aging Your Body Faster

4 Foods Secretly Aging Your Body Faster

If you've been wondering why you feel more tired, achy, or foggy despite trying to eat well, the answer might be hiding in plain sight on your kitchen shelves. Four common food categories are silently... ...more

Arthritis ,diet Treatment About Arthritis &Pain Management

August 07, 202510 min read

How Your Weight is Secretly Damaging Your Joints (And What You Can Do About It)

How Your Weight is Secretly Damaging Your Joints (And What You Can Do About It)

When 62-year-old Carol stepped on the scale last month, she couldn't believe the number staring back at her. "How did I gain 40 pounds without really noticing?" she wondered. But the real shock came w... ...more

Arthritis ,About Arthritis &Pain Management

August 05, 20258 min read

Effects of Arthritis

Cause of Disability

In the United States, 23% of all adults, or more than 54 million people, have arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion.

Workforce Effects

Sixty percent of US adults with arthritis are of working age (18 to 64 years). Arthritis can limit the type of work they are able to do or keep them from working at all.

Global Impact

In fact, 8 million working-age adults report that their ability to work is limited because of their arthritis. For example, they may have a hard time climbing stairs or walking from a parking deck to their workplace.

Promoting Interventions That Reduce Arthritis Pain

American Arthritis Foundation recognizes several proven approaches to reduce arthritis symptoms:

  • Be active. Physical activity—such as walking, bicycling, and swimming—decreases arthritis pain and improves function, mood, and quality of life. Adults with arthritis should move more and sit less throughout the day. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week is recommended.

  • Protect your joints. People can help prevent osteoarthritis by avoiding activities that are more likely to cause joint injuries.

  • Talk with a doctor. Recommendations from health care providers can motivate people to be physically active and join a self-management education program. Should your arthritis be interfering with your activities of daily living you may be a candidate to receive many new treatments, and learn how to reverse the arthritis condition.

Learn more about Arthritis:

Arthritis Advice

Get better control of your arthritis with help from our experts. Arthritis can be confusing, but don't worry, we have the tips you need to make it easier to manage.

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