Arthritis Limits Activity of Millions of Americans

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of disability among American adults. About 25 percent of American adults (58.5 million) have arthritis, and almost half suffer from arthritis-related activity limitations due to hip pain, knee pain and joint pain.

According to research published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitations (AAAL) were most prevalent among adults with health challenges, lower socioeconomic status and physical disabilities.

Arthritis Incidence Will Continue to Increase

Kristina A. Theis, Ph.D., of the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, told Healio Rheumatology that arthritis incidence is increasing faster than projected. Over the next 20 years, experts predict arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitations will increase by 49 percent.

“Our analysis shows that there are groups of people — for example, adults with fewer economic opportunities, adults with poorer overall health, including mental health, and adults with physical limitations — with disproportionate unmet need for existing evidence-based interventions to help manage arthritis and delay or prevent activity limitations due to arthritis,” said Dr. Theis (Healio).

Safe Exercises to Manage Arthritis Pain

Patients with arthritis can still lead active lives if they work with their orthopaedists to find arthritis-appropriate exercises and activities that will be easy on joints. Some of these activities may include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Elliptical machine

Exercise cannot reverse damage due to arthritis, but it can help prevent further damage and reduce knee pain and joint pain. Orthopaedists can also suggest workplace accommodations and other interventions that do not include medication to help manage arthritis symptoms.

Find an Orthopaedist Near You to Manage Joint Pain

Is arthritis causing you daily pain and limiting your activities? Click here to find an orthopedic center near you, and make an appointment today with one of our specialists. An orthopaedist can help you manage your knee, hip, shoulder or back pain by creating a treatment plan that includes safe exercises to manage your arthritis symptoms. Your doctor can also suggest options like knee or hip replacement if necessary.