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

Early ACL Surgery May Help Prevent Knee Arthritis, New Study Finds

Early ACL Surgery May Help Prevent Knee Arthritis, New Study Finds

New research suggests timing of ACL reconstruction may play a critical role in long-term joint health ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Pain Management

May 20, 20253 min read

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: A Heart-Healthy Choice?

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: A Heart-Healthy Choice?

As the popularity of plant-based diets continues to rise, many individuals are turning to plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) as substitutes for traditional animal products. Recent research publishe... ...more

Arthritis ,diet &Treatment

May 18, 20252 min read

Telehealth Follow-Ups Put Spondyloarthritis Patients in the Driver’s Seat

Telehealth Follow-Ups Put Spondyloarthritis Patients in the Driver’s Seat

When it comes to managing chronic arthritis, one size does not fit all. A recent study published in The Lancet Rheumatology reveals that giving patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) more control over ... ...more

Treatment ,About Arthritis &Axial Spondyloarthritis

March 15, 20259 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

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease that requires consistent, long-term management. For many patients, methotrexate remains a cornerstone of treatment due to its ability to contr... ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Rheumatoid Arthritis

March 08, 20253 min read

Rethinking Pain Management in Inflammatory Arthritis: A Shift Toward Better Care

Rethinking Pain Management in Inflammatory Arthritis: A Shift Toward Better Care

For millions of individuals living with inflammatory arthritis—such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis—pain is more than an occasional symptom. ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Pain Management

March 06, 20253 min read

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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.

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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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