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

Unveiling the CURE Data Warehouse: A Game-Changer in Arthritis Research

Unveiling the CURE Data Warehouse: A Game-Changer in Arthritis Research

When it comes to advancing arthritis treatments, the key to innovation lies in data. Recognizing this, the American Arthritis Foundation has launched the CURE Data Warehouse—a revolutionary platform d... ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment &About Arthritis

December 17, 20243 min read

How Genetics, Gout, and Lifestyle Impact Your Heart Health

How Genetics, Gout, and Lifestyle Impact Your Heart Health

If you have gout, you might already know how painful and disruptive it can be for your joints. But did you know that a genetic predisposition for gout could also increase your risk for cardiovascular ... ...more

Arthritis ,About Arthritis &Gout

November 10, 20243 min read

Why 70% of People with Rheumatic Diseases Aren’t Meeting Exercise Goals—And Why It Matters

Why 70% of People with Rheumatic Diseases Aren’t Meeting Exercise Goals—And Why It Matters

Living with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs), like rheumatoid arthritis, often means battling fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness on a daily basis. But did you know that regular physical activity... ...more

Arthritis ,diet Treatment Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis &Pain Management

November 06, 20244 min read

How Eating More Plants Can Help Your Joints and Overall Health

How Eating More Plants Can Help Your Joints and Overall Health

If you’re living with arthritis, you’ve probably wondered how you can reduce pain and improve your health naturally. The answer might be on your plate! A recent study published in PLOS ONE shows that ... ...more

diet ,Treatment

November 04, 20243 min read

Why MRIs Aren’t Always Enough to Predict Knee Osteoarthritis

Why MRIs Aren’t Always Enough to Predict Knee Osteoarthritis

If you or someone you love struggles with knee pain, you may have heard about knee osteoarthritis (OA). It’s a common condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling over time. ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment &About Arthritis

November 02, 20242 min read

Psoriasis and Joint Pain: New Insights on Psoriatic Arthritis from Groundbreaking Study

Psoriasis and Joint Pain: New Insights on Psoriatic Arthritis from Groundbreaking Study

Learn about a major international study led by Oxford University and University College Dublin that tracks nearly 3,000 patients to understand who might develop Psoriatic Arthritis (PSA). This cutting... ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis Psoriatic Arthritis &Pain Management

October 21, 20241 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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