Arthritis Foundation
The Facts About Arthritis
Number of Americans with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms:
1985 - 35 million
1990 - 37.9 million
1998 - nearly 43 million (1 in 6 people)
2002 – 70 million (1 in 3 adults)
Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s
leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15.
Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability.
Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for
more than 7 million Americans.
Arthritis results in 39 million physician visits and more than a half million
hospitalizations.
Costs to the U.S. economy totals more than $86.2 billion annually.
Arthritis affects people in all age groups including nearly 300,000 children.
Baby boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected are under
age 65.
Half of those Americans with arthritis don’t think anything can be done
to help them.
Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or
around joints.
Arthritis strikes women more often than men.
Overall arthritis:
Women - 41.0 million
Men - 28.9 million
The disease also can affect other parts of the body. Arthritis causes pain,
loss of movement and sometimes swelling. Some types of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers
the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement
as bone begins to rub against bone. It is the most prevalent form of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes
inflamed as part of the body’s immune system activity. Rheumatoid arthritis
is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women.
Gout, which affects mostly men. It is usually the result of a defect in body
chemistry. This painful condition most often attacks small joints, especially
the big toe. Fortunately, gout almost always can be completely controlled with
medication and changes in diet.
Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine. As a result
of inflammation, the bones of the spine grow together.
Juvenile arthritis, a general term for all types of arthritis that occur in
children. Children may develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or childhood forms
of lupus, ankylosing spondylitis or other types of arthritis.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), a serious disorder that can inflame and
damage joints and other connective tissues throughout the body.
Scleroderma, a disease of the body’s connective tissue that causes a thickening
and hardening of the skin.
Fibromyalgia, in which widespread pain affects the muscles and attachments to
the bone. It affects mostly women.
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Thanks to the Arthritis Foundation. for the Information above.
For more Information please visit http://www.arthritis.org/
