Key Facts about Arthritis

Are you struggling with arthritis? Here are some facts about this condition.

It is estimated that there are about 52 million adults struggling with some type of arthritis in the U.S. One of the common complaints of arthritis sufferers is that it impairs their ability to perform their daily tasks. The most often suggested solution for this condition is physical activity because it can bring pain relief and improve function as well as mental health.

Arthritis is commonly caused by injuries, having an abnormal metabolism, overactive immune system, hereditary factors and infections. Through a combination of physical therapy techniques, medication and patient education, arthritis can be treated.

Experts estimate that incidence of physician-diagnosed arthritis will increase to 67 million patients by 2030. By this projection, around 25 percent of the total adult population in the U.S. will be afflicted with this condition.

At present, arthritis is more prevalent in women than men in the U.S., with frequency increasing as one ages. About 23.9 percent of women suffer from this condition while only 18.6 percent of men do. As for children below the age of 18, statistics reveal that there are about 294,000 minors who are struggling with this disease; by estimation, that’s about 1 out of 250 children.

According to studies, about 22 million people in the U.S. report physical inability to perform their usual routines, saying it is too difficult to move or they simply can’t do it. Physical limitations involve their inability to bend, kneel or stoop. In addition, about 6 million sufferers report they cannot walk beyond a quarter-mile distance.

In the U.S., arthritis accounts for 18 percent of all disabilities. The condition also has a strong association with major depression, with about 6.6 percent of adult arthritis sufferers experiencing severe psychological distress.