Many people associate arthritis with aging, but it\u2019s a condition that affects people of all ages worldwide. Let\u2019s take a look at some arthritis statistics to better understand what this chronic condition is, who it affects, how to prevent it, and how it can be treated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Arthritis, or joint disease, is inflammation of one or more joints, such as the knees, knuckles, wrists, or ankles. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis<\/a>. Osteoarthritis, a type commonly associated with aging, is the most common overall. Other types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus-related arthritis, are autoimmune diseases that can affect people of different ages. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune form of arthritis.<\/p>\n Arthritis is typically diagnosed after a series of physical exams, blood tests, and X-rays. Doctors will look for signs and symptoms of different forms of arthritis and may run tests to determine what kind of arthritis someone has. Changes suggestive of arthritis are seen on X-rays and other imaging studies. Blood tests may be used to check for antibodies that indicate autoimmune forms of arthritis.\u00a0<\/p>\n Below are statistics for some of the most common forms of arthritis.<\/p>\n Rheumatic diseases like arthritis are complex and can have numerous causes. Autoimmune diseases, injuries, infections, normal wear and tear on joints, and genetics can cause it.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMost commonly, arthritis is seen in adults over age 65,\u201d says Tom Biernacki<\/a>, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and podiatrist in Berkley, Michigan. \u201cIt is more common in people who are very active, such as people who are on their feet all day at work. Other risk factors include people who are overweight and people who have less muscle mass compared to their body weight. Unfortunately, as we all get older, on average, we get heavier, and our muscles get weaker. This will lead to increased wear and tear of cartilage and eventually bone-on-bone rubbing. This does eventually catch up to most people who develop enough risk factors.\u201d<\/p>\n It may not be possible to prevent arthritis<\/a> entirely, but there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of developing it. Exercising regularly is important to help keep your muscles strong and your joints limber. This will also help prevent injuries. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also important because there\u2019s less pressure on weight-bearing joints. Other ways to help prevent arthritis include stretching regularly and getting routine check-ups to make sure your joints are staying healthy.<\/p>\n There\u2019s currently no cure for arthritis, but it can be managed through medication and various therapies<\/a>. Painkillers and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help ease arthritis pain<\/a>. Corticosteroids<\/a> can suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. For conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can stop the immune system from attacking healthy joints. Biologic response modifiers target protein molecules involved in the immune response and help reduce inflammation.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201c<\/b>Inflammation can be well controlled with anti-inflammatories, but this is usually a supplement and not the main treatment,\u201d Dr. Biernacki says. \u201cThis should function as an assistive treatment, and not the core treatment.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Many people turn to herbal medications and supplements to help with their arthritis. The two most commonly used supplements for joint pain and arthritis are glucosamine-chondroitin <\/a>and turmeric<\/a> (curcumin). There are several studies showing benefits from these supplements, although not all of the studies showed a positive result, and not everyone will show the same improvement.<\/p>\n Physical therapy, exercise<\/a>, and a healthy lifestyle are cornerstones of arthritis treatment. For people who have not found relief with other methods, surgical procedures are also available for some forms of arthritis.\u00a0<\/p>\n One study<\/a> indicates that the United States has the highest prevalence of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n Up to 27% of U.S. adults have some form of arthritis.\u00a0<\/p>\n The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S. is 40\u201370 cases per 100,000 people<\/a>. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is predicted to rise<\/a> by as much as 1% each year.\u00a0<\/p>\n The average age of getting arthritis varies depending on the type of arthritis, but most people develop the condition between the ages of 30 and 50<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\nHow common is arthritis?<\/h2>\n
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Most common types of arthritis<\/h2>\n
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Osteoarthritis\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Rheumatoid arthritis\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Gout\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Juvenile arthritis\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)<\/h3>\n
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Psoriatic arthritis<\/h3>\n
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Arthritis statistics by age<\/h2>\n
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Arthritis statistics by race and ethnicity<\/h2>\n
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Arthritis statistics by sex<\/h2>\n
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Arthritis and overall health<\/h2>\n
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The cost of arthritis<\/h2>\n
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Causes of arthritis<\/h2>\n
Arthritis prevention\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Treating arthritis<\/h2>\n
Arthritis questions and answers<\/h2>\n
What country has the most cases of arthritis?<\/h3>\n
What percent of the U.S. population has arthritis?<\/h3>\n
How many new cases of arthritis are there per year?<\/h3>\n
What is the average age of getting arthritis?<\/h3>\n
Why is arthritis more common in females?<\/h3>\n