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

Genetic Breakthrough: 13 Newly Identified Genes May Hold the Key to Osteoarthritis Prevention

Genetic Breakthrough: 13 Newly Identified Genes May Hold the Key to Osteoarthritis Prevention

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32 million Americans. Characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and the gradual breakdown of cartilage, OA can make even sim... ...more

Treatment ,About Arthritis &Osteoarthritis

February 10, 20251 min read

Exploring the Gut-Arthritis Link: How Microbiome Imbalance May Influence Inflammation and Autoimmunity

Exploring the Gut-Arthritis Link: How Microbiome Imbalance May Influence Inflammation and Autoimmunity

The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a critical role in everything from digestion to immune function. In recent years, scientists have discovered that our gut microbiome may be mor... ...more

Arthritis ,diet &About Arthritis

February 10, 20252 min read

Unlocking the Genetic Link Between Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Eye Inflammation

Unlocking the Genetic Link Between Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Eye Inflammation

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis in children, affecting thousands of young people worldwide. ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Juvenile Arthritis

February 07, 20252 min read

Understanding the Different Faces of Psoriatic Arthritis: New Study Reveals 3 Patient Clusters

Understanding the Different Faces of Psoriatic Arthritis: New Study Reveals 3 Patient Clusters

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex and often unpredictable condition that affects both the skin and joints. While some patients experience primarily joint-related symptoms, others face severe skin... ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis Psoriatic Arthritis &Pain Management

February 05, 20252 min read

Breakthrough in Osteoarthritis Detection: A New Test for Early Diagnosis

Breakthrough in Osteoarthritis Detection: A New Test for Early Diagnosis

For years, diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) in its earliest stages has been a significant challenge. Many patients do not receive a definitive diagnosis until cartilage damage has already progressed, li... ...more

Treatment ,About Arthritis &Pain Management

February 02, 20252 min read

Bridging the Gender Gap in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Why Women Are Still Waiting Too Long for Diagnosis

Bridging the Gender Gap in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Why Women Are Still Waiting Too Long for Diagnosis

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic, inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. However, not all ... ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Axial Spondyloarthritis

February 02, 20252 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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