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

The Power of Provider Guidance: How Healthcare Teams Can Transform Flu Vaccination Rates in Young Patients with Rheumatic Diseases

The Power of Provider Guidance: How Healthcare Teams Can Transform Flu Vaccination Rates in Young Patients with Rheumatic Diseases

New research reveals that healthcare provider recommendations are a game-changer for protecting immunocompromised children ...more

Treatment ,About Arthritis Osteoarthritis &Rheumatoid Arthritis

April 07, 20258 min read

How Rheumatoid Arthritis May Accelerate Cognitive Changes in Dementia

How Rheumatoid Arthritis May Accelerate Cognitive Changes in Dementia

Groundbreaking Swedish research reveals concerning connections between RA and brain health in vulnerable populations ...more

Arthritis ,diet Treatment About Arthritis Osteoarthritis &Rheumatoid Arthritis

April 03, 20258 min read

Scientific Breakthrough Unveils Promising New Path for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Scientific Breakthrough Unveils Promising New Path for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Groundbreaking research identifies genetic mutation that could lead to safer, more effective RA therapies ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis &Pain Management

April 03, 20257 min read

How Your Daily Choices Shape Aging More Than Your DNA

How Your Daily Choices Shape Aging More Than Your DNA

Revolutionary research reveals that your lifestyle and surroundings have far greater influence on healthy aging than genetics alone ...more

Arthritis ,diet About Arthritis &Rheumatoid Arthritis

March 31, 20255 min read

Time-Restricted Eating Shows Promise for Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Time-Restricted Eating Shows Promise for Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Emerging research is shedding light on how dietary timing strategies might support traditional rheumatoid arthritis treatments, particularly for postmenopausal women managing both joint inflammation a... ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Rheumatoid Arthritis

March 27, 20256 min read

How Age at First Birth May Influence RA Risk

How Age at First Birth May Influence RA Risk

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects more women than men—often striking in the prime of life. ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Rheumatoid Arthritis

March 10, 20253 min read

Back to Home

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.

Proud Member of the Society for Nonprofits

Have a question?

We're Here to Help

By providing my phone number, I agree to receive text messages from the business.

Copyright © 2025 American Arthritis Foundation, a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 87-4004425, All rights reserved.