Analysis Shows Arthritis Increase

From elite athletes across the globe to the average American, severe joint pain caused by osteoarthritis often restricts participation in sports and daily activities with family and friends.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that causes pain, disability and loss of function. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips and knees. Without treatment, this disease may cause long-term damage to joints.

Focus on this widespread health issue occurs each year during May – National Arthritis Awareness Month.

Data reveals arthritis is higher in females

Nearly one in four or about 58.5 million U.S. adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number is expected to increase to an estimated 78 million by 2040.

According to a recent analysis, osteoarthritis has remained a major public health concern worldwide in recent decades.

The analysis was published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology. It was based on global data from 1990 to 2019.

The data were collected as part of the Global Burden of Disease study by a consortium of more than 7,000 researchers in more than 156 countries and territories.

According to the analysis, “investigators found that globally, prevalent cases (of osteoarthritis) increased by 113.25 percent from 247.51 million in 1990 to 527.81 million in 2019.”

“The disease burden of osteoarthritis is formidable,” co–senior author Jianhao Lin, MD, of Peking University People’s Hospital, in China, told Medical Xpress. “Due to population expansion, aging, and the epidemic of obesity, one would expect such a burden would increase in the near future.”

In the study, more cases of osteoarthritis were found in countries with higher development status. Osteoarthritis was more prevalent in females than in males and increased with age, the data revealed.

The analysis showed osteoarthritis of the hip had the highest estimated annual percentage increases in most regions. Osteoarthritis of the knee contributed the most to the overall burden, according to the study.

“Primary and secondary prevention, including refraining from overweight or obesity, preventing knee injury and avoiding heavy repeated joint-loading activities are effective measures in alleviating the burden,” Lin told Medical Xpress. “In addition, exercise therapy could delay functional loss and should be recommended as core treatment for knee osteoarthritis.”

Don’t delay your joint care

For individuals with osteoarthritis, the CDC recommends low-impact aerobic activities that do not put stress on the joints including brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercise classes and dancing.

Although exercises and activities can help relieve pain and stiffness, it may not be enough to help with your osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing joint pain, don’t delay your care. You can receive orthopedic expertise from our group of nationwide doctors. Click here to find a clinic near you and to request an appointment. Our orthopedists’ customized approach to joint care will allow you to return to the sports and activities with friends and family you enjoy.