Arthritis Statistics

An estimated 50 million adults in the United States reported being told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions include gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

An estimated 27 million adults had osteoarthritis in 2005.

One in five (22%) adults in the United States report having doctor diagnosed arthritis.

In 2007–2009, 50% of adults 65 years or older reported an arthritis diagnosis.

Almost 44% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis report no leisure time physical activity compared with 36% of adults without arthritis.

By 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

An estimated 294,000 children under age 18 have some form of arthritis or rheumatic condition; this represents approximately 1 in every 250 children in the U.S.

LEARN MORE: The Arthritis Foundation

 
 

Osteoarthritis

Seventy million Americans are affected by arthritis with more than 20 million affected by osteoarthritis (OA), which is also known as degenerative arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis and the number one cause of disability in the United States.

In osteoarthritis, the cushioning (cartilage) between the bones wears away in the joints. As osteoarthritis gets worse, the cartilage degenerates and bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs or growths usually form around the joint. The ligaments and muscles around the joint loosen and become weaker.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease; however, the path of progression varies between each person. While early treatment of degenerative arthritis can slow progression, affected joints generally continue to deteriorate as a person ages. OA can occur in any joint, but it is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Often, the cause of OA is unknown. It is mainly related to aging, but other factors can also lead to OA.

  • Osteoarthritis tends to run in families
  • Being overweight increases the risk
  • Fractures or other joint injuries can lead to osteoarthritis later in life
  • Long-term overuse at work or in sports can lead to osteoarthritis


Medical conditions that can lead to osteoarthritis include:

  • Bleeding disorders that cause bleeding in the joint, such as hemophilia
  • Disorders that block the blood supply near a joint, such as avascular necrosis
  • Other types of arthritis, such as chronic gout, pseudogout, or rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in men and women. After age 55, it is more common in women.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Deep aching joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it, and is relieved by rest
  • Pain that is worse when you start activities after a period of no activity
  • Over time, pain is present even when you are at rest
  • Grating of the joint with motion
  • Increase in pain during humid or moist weather
  • Joint swelling
  • Limited movement
  • Muscle weakness around arthritic joints

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis

A physical osteo arthritis exam can show:

  • Joint movement may cause a cracking (grating) sound
  • Joint swelling (bones around the joints may feel larger than normal)
  • Limited range of motion
  • Tenderness when the joint is pressed
  • Normal movement is often painful

No blood tests are helpful in diagnosing osteoarthritis.

An x-ray of affected degenerative joints will show a loss of the joint space. In advanced cases, there will be a wearing down of the ends of the bone and bone spurs.

Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis can be treated using a combination of medication, physical therapy and alternative treatment. The goals of treatment are to:

  • Increase the strength of the joints
  • Maintain or improve joint movement
  • Reduce the disabling effects of the disease
  • Relieve pain

The treatment depends on which joints are involved.

Osteoarthritis Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with symptoms of osteo arthritis. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) first, because it has fewer side effects than other drugs. If your pain continues, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs help relieve pain and swelling. Types of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

However, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. These drugs may also increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Other treatments of osteoarthritis include:

  • The prescription drug, Celebrex (a COX-2 inhibitor) may work as well as other NSAIDs. Because of a risk for heart attacks and stroke, it is given only at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible period of time.
  • Corticosteroids injected right into the joint can also be used to reduce swelling and pain. However, relief only lasts for a short time.
  • Many people use over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for osteo arthritis. There is some evidence that these supplements can help control pain, although they do not seem to grow new cartilage. Some doctors recommend a trial period of 3 months to see whether glucosamine and chondroitin work.
  • Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream may help relieve pain. You may feel a warm, stinging sensation when you first apply the cream. This sensation goes away after a few days of use. Pain relief usually begins within 1 - 2 weeks.
  • Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) can be injected into the knee. It may relieve pain for 3 - 6 months.

Osteoarthritis Surgery

Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgical options include:

  • Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage
  • Changing the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
  • Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthrodesis)
  • Total or partial replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty)