Have you ever had trouble kneeling? Or perhaps you just feel a joint ache in the morning. Either way, the chances are you have an articular condition. Consulting these arthritis statistics will shed some light on your dilemma.
Longevity is increasing, and with it, the prevalence of rheumatoid diseases. Painful muscles, joints, and extremities are no longer the topic of the elderly. They are a part of everyday life.
In order to make a difference, we’ve conducted thorough research, dissected the symptomatology, acquired the recent facts, and timelined the occurrence of rheumatic diseases.
Read on, and update yourself on the current therapy trends and burdening consequences that these debilitating conditions bestowed upon the population.
The Top 10 Arthritis Stats and Facts
Among the truckloads of interesting facts on arthritis, here are some particularly mind boggling records:
- 60% of hip and hand osteoarthritis are linked to genetics.
- More than 90 million people in the US live with some form of arthritis.
- Arthritis prevalence in US adults may hit 78 million by 2040.
- According to rheumatoid arthritis statistics worldwide for 2018, 21% of those aged 50–64 bought medications for the treatment of arthritis in that year.
- In the US, about 300,000 children are affected by juvenile arthritis.
- Utah has the lowest prevalence of diagnosed joint pain symptoms in the US.
- It is estimated that there will be 63 million people with diagnosed arthritis in 2020.
- There are four main drug classes for RA treatment.
- RA patients may spend up to $30,000 annually on medications.
- DMARDs cost between $1500 and 2,000 monthly for RA patients.
Arthritis Facts
Before we unveil some breathtaking RA statistics, here are some general facts regarding this condition you should know.
1. 22.7% of American adults are diagnosed with some form of arthritis.
(CDC)
According to a five-year national survey, 54.4 million adults in the US had been diagnosed with some form of arthritis in 2015.
2. Rheumatic diseases are more prevalent in women.
(CDC)
Rheumatology diseases, such as arthritis, show higher age-adjusted prevalence. According to the official sources, 23.5% of the US population are rheumatically indisposed women, while 18.1% are men.
3. In general, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
(WebMD)
Not all rheumatic disorders are considered as arthritis. However, when discussing rheumatism, the definition of arthritis is broad, and it implies all conditions that are associated with joint swelling, followed by tenderness and pain.
Rheumatic diseases can be degenerative or autoimmune in nature. This means that they develop over time by trauma- or age-induced cartilage degeneration in joints, or by the overactive immune system of the patient.
They are often chronic and are associated with occasional growing pains in adults.
4. According to the official arthritis prevalence rates, 9 types are the most frequent.
(Mayo Clinic)
All rheumatic joint diseases are associated with pain, stiffness, joint swelling, redness, and subsequently decreased mobility. Nevertheless, nine different diseases can be classified as arthritis:
- Gout
- Juvenile arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Septic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Thumb arthritis
These diseases all have slightly different symptomatology and progression rates, and they can be more or less debilitating. Additionally, arthritis could be developed as a consequence of both the use of medications and infections.
5. In general, the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the highest.
(Mayo Clinic, CDC)
Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative type and affects over 32.5 million US adults.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most prevalent inflammatory type; however, according to the evidence, its rates have been diminishing over the years, with the osteoarthritis prevalence rising.
6. Regardless of the official diagnosis, it is estimated that more than 90 million people in the US live with some form of arthritis.
(Arthritis Foundation)
Given the diverse but commonly expressed symptomatology, the official arthritis societies argue that there are almost 40 million undiagnosed Americans at the moment.
7. The official facts about arthritis state that 43.5% of those with diagnosed arthritis have daily activity limitations.
(Arthritis Foundation)
23.7 million Americans are more or less disabled due to their joint aches. Regarding the reporting of arthritis-related disability, the number of complaints increased by 20% since 2002.
8. The prevalence of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is age-related.
(Arthritis Foundation)
Every second man over 65 and every two in three women of that age have some type of arthritis.
9. According to osteoarthritis statistics from 2018, the prevalence has increased from 6.6% to 14.3% over a fifteen-year period.
(PubMed Central)
In contrast to the significant and alarming rise in osteoarthritis symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis prevalence decreased from 5.9% to 3.8%. The decrease was mostly observed in adult men.
10. About 300,000 of US children are affected by juvenile arthritis.
(Arthritis Foundation)
According to juvenile arthritis facts, the cause of this autoimmune disease in children is unknown. The disease develops in children who are 16 years and below.
11. It is estimated that there will be 63 million people with diagnosed arthritis in 2020.
(CDC)
Given the rising longevity of the population, degenerative diseases are on the rise. According to the official predictions, there will be more than 67 million people with arthritis in 2025. By 2045, this disability number is expected to reach a staggering 78 million people in the US.
12. The prevalence of arthritis is highly related to other diseases.
(CDC)
Adults that have arthritis are more likely to have other existing medical conditions, whose presence not only increases the rheumatic risks but also lowers the chances of successful treatment.
According to the arthritis forecast, 27.7% of people who have some form of arthritis are also obese. 33.7% of arthritis patients also have diabetes, and 36.4% of them have heart disease.
It appears that inflammation plays a significant role in the development of all of the existing conditions. Furthermore, being overweight is a risk factor for developing both diabetes and the extra weight presses on the knee joints, thus increasing the risks for degeneration.
13. The prevalence of Arthritis in US adults may hit 78 million by 2040.
(CDC)
According to projections, arthritis statistics for 2020 show that 63 million adults in the US, 18 years and older, will be diagnosed with arthritis. While 26% of US adults may have doctor-diagnosed arthritis by 2040.
14. Adults with arthritis are more than twice likely to suffer falls and related injuries.
(CDC)
Arthritis-burdened adults are about 2.5 times more susceptible to falls at least twice in the past year than non-arthritic adults.
Arthritis Statistics by State
Every state has its fair share of the devastating effects of arthritis, socio-economical, and otherwise. Let’s see what the state-by-state statistics o arthritis say
15. Utah has the lowest prevalence of joint pain symptoms in diagnosed US citizens.
(CDC)
The states with highly prevalent joint pain and disability symptoms are Puerto Rico (58.2%), Mississippi (46.0%), West Virginia (41.6%), Arkansas (41.6%), and Louisiana (41.2%). It appears that moist climate and hot weather intensify joint pain symptoms in arthritis.
16. Hawaii has the lowest number of diagnosed arthritis cases.
(CDC)
With the prevalence of 17.2%, Hawaii is least affected by this chronic indisposition. California (18.3%), Minnesota (18.3%), and Texas (19.8%) are among the states with the lowest prevalence.
On the other hand, West Virginia (33.6%), Alabama (30.4%), and Tennessee (29.4%) have the highest rates of arthritis by state.
17. Arthritis is the third leading cause of work disability in the US.
(CDC)
Back and neck problems account for 30% of medically approved work disabilities. Mental health issues are the second cause (21%), and arthritis is the third (19%) leading reason for legitimately missing work.
18. Arthritis costs the US medical system more than $140 billion annually.
(CDC)
According to the analysis, the average arthritis-related extra medical costs amount to $2,117 per patient annually.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Statistics
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory anomaly that targets joints, particularly in the feet and hands. Here, we present the prevalence, symptoms, and other rheumatoid arthritis-related stats.
19. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune inflammatory condition in the world.
(NCBI)
Interesting facts about rheumatoid arthritis, reveals that are several rheumatoid arthritis risk factors that contribute to the onset of this disease:
- Genetics — Several genes are mapped to be the predisposing factors to RA.
- Age — People over 65 are three times more likely to develop symptoms.
- Gender — Women are two times more susceptible than men.
- Environment — Infections, economic status, and climate conditions contribute to the development of RA.
- Lifestyle choices — Poor diet and the consumption of alcohol and tobacco increase the risk of development of RA.
20. According to the US rheumatoid arthritis prevalence rates, approximately 1.5 million adult Americans have it.
(EveryDayHealth)
Women are three times more likely to develop symptoms than men. The reasons for this are unknown, but it is presumed that hormones play a significant role in the development and progression of this disease.
21. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary individually.
(Healthline)
According to the rheumatoid arthritis definition, this is a progressive disease, which means that the first line of symptoms reveals itself with a minor intensity and increases over time, as the disease progresses on different joints.
According to rheumatoid arthritis facts, the initial symptoms are:
- The warmth of small joints, such as fingers or toes
- Stiffness
- Swollenness
Primary symptoms usually come and go and have frequent flare-ups. Over time, the symptoms spread to larger joints, such as hips, shoulders, and knees. During the time of progression, the damage to joints becomes irreversible. Depending on the development, there are several types of rheumatoid arthritis.
Regardless of the type, additional symptoms reveal themselves as the condition worsens:
- Fatigue
- Chronic, long-lasting pain
- Anemia
- Low-grade fever
- Weight-loss
Disease development is also associated with firming and nodule-shaping of joints, also known as rheumatoid lumps.
22. According to rheumatoid arthritis disability statistics, this condition severely indisposes people to perform everyday activities.
(CDC)
This disease is associated with the limitation of activities, such as:
- Sitting for longer than two hours
- Grasping small objects
- Raising hands above one’s head
- Lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds
- Climbing a flight of stairs in one setting
- Pushing or pulling heavy objects
- Standing for more than two hours
- Kneeling or bending
23.There are four drug classes for RA treatment.
(Healthline)
While there is no known cure for RA, doctors may prescribe either of these four to help alleviate symptoms and avoid long-term joint issues.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs may not stop RA progression; they help reduce inflammation and, in turn, pain. They are the mildest class of drugs in the management of RA arthritis.
- Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS)
They are the most common RA prescription. They help reduce the progression of the disease. Sadly, these drugs leave a range of effects – from negligible to severe.
- Biologic Response Modifiers
These are prescribed to manage the immune system’s resistance to DMARDS. They are usually prescribed alongside DMARDS.
- Corticosteroids
These bring fast inflammatory relief and are very much effective and ideal for short term use.
Osteoarthritis Statistics
Osteoarthritis (OA) is another common form of arthritis. This condition is associated with the wearing away of flexible protective tissues at the cartilage. OA develops slowly, damages joints in bits and progressively degenerates over time. Take a peek at some eye-opening statistics and facts about osteoarthritis.
24. 60% of hip and hand osteoarthritis are linked to genetics.
(Science Direct)
Genetic preferences increase osteoarthritis risk significantly. Official osteoarthritis statistics state that genetic factors cause 40 percent of knee osteoarthritis.
More interestingly, some genes are not only key triggers – they may also be good targets for pharmacological treatments in the future.
25. Diets low in Vitamin C, D, and K may aggravate osteoarthritis development.
(Science Direct)
Many diets contribute to osteoarthritis development. One of the fun facts about arthritis is that this correlation is fairly difficult to quantify, so experts call for more studies to establish the exact links.
26. Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative articular disease in the world.
(WHO)
It is estimated that up to 15% of the world population over 60 has some form of osteoarthritis (OA). Like RA, the disease is more prevalent in women.
Across the world, the prevalence rates vary significantly. For instance, 18.3% of people in Hungary have OA, compared to only 2.8% in neighboring Romania.
It is estimated that, by 2050, there will be more than 150 million people burdened by this disease, out of which 40 million will be severely disabled.
27. According to osteoarthritis statistics from 2019, women are 17 times more likely to develop osteoarthritis knee symptoms than men.
(MedScape, Arthritis Foundation)
OA symptoms are more prevalent in women than in men. Additionally, women are 12 times more prone to erosive OA than men.
However, there is evidence pointing out that, in people under 45, the likelihood of developing OA is equal in both genders.
28. The lifetime risk of developing knee osteoarthritis is 45%.
(Arthritis Foundation)
More than half of the people with symptomatic OA are younger than 65. In concurrence with the recent arthritis statistics worldwide, the upcoming elderly population is about to live for three decades while being severely disabled.
Furthermore, 40% of American adults are likely to develop at least one joint OA symptom by the age of 80.
29. Almost 90% of people with osteoarthritis knee symptoms are overweight or obese.
(Arthritis Foundation)
Osteoarthritis significantly decreases the quality of life. Moreover, it is usually highly prevalent in comorbidities, which add to overall disability criteria, such as:
- Hypertension (40%)
- Depression (30%)
- Diabetes (15%)
Statistics of Arthritis: Cost Issues
The US lost 303.5 billion to arthritis-related cost and earning loss in 2013, an amount which accounts for 1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the said year. What’s more? Here are some more financial facts about arthritis.
30. $140 billion was spent on arthritis-related medical costs in 2013.
(CDC)
This meant $2,117 spent as extra medical cost per arthritic adult patient. Some interesting facts about arthritis show that approximately half of these arthritis-related medical care costs were expended on ambulatory care costs. Prescriptions were also captured in the medical care cost.
31. RA patients may spend up to $30,000 annually on medications.
(WebMD)
Expenses related to arthritis treatments can be significant. Even with health insurance, patients may still pay as much as 30 percent out-of-pocket on prescriptions.
32. DMARDs cost between $1500 and 2,000 monthly for RA patients.
(WebMD)
Biologics, a relatively new RA treatment, are more expensive and may cost patients between $1,300 to $3,000 monthly.
Treatment of Arthritis: Statistics
From an optimistic side, some treatment options have proven effective in managing the condition. Here are some things you probably never knew about arthritis treatment.
33. In 2018, 21% of those aged 50–64 bought medications for the treatment of arthritis.
(Statista)
The value of the rheumatoid drug market is estimated to reach $9.3 billion by 2020. Given the increase of effective rheumatology therapeutics, the number of rheumatologists is about to decrease by 30% in the US.
34. 54% of osteoarthritis patients will have knee surgery at some point in their lifetime.
(Arthritis Foundation)
Knee surgery appears to be the most effective way to suppress disease progression and to alleviate pain in patients with OA knee degeneration. Additionally, there is evidence that suggests a 29% increase in overall medical costs due to knee surgery procedures, in total.
35. New facts about rheumatoid arthritis reveal that the top-selling drugs in the world are used for this condition.
(Statista)
The total market value of autoimmune therapy used for the treatment of RA is approximately $18.9 billion and rising.
Some of the world’s most lucrative drugs are indicated for treating these conditions.
36. The world’s best selling drug is a novelty antirheumatic Humira, which cashed in nearly $20 billion in 2018.
(Statista, MarketResearchReports)
Disease-modifying biopharmaceuticals are the leading assets of Big Pharma now. According to the rheumatoid arthritis statistics from 2018, the top pharmaceutical companies on the antirheumatic market (with annual revenue) were:
- AbbVie Inc. ($19.94 billion)
- Amgen Inc. ($5.01 billion)
- Pfizer Inc. ($4.572 billion)
- Roche Holding AG ($3.65 billion)
- Novartis AG ($3.4 billion)
- Johnson & Johnson ($3.16 billion)
- Bristol-Myers Squibb ($2.71 billion)
- Merck & Co., Inc. ($1.81 billion)
- UCB S.A. ($1.71 billion)
- Celgene Corporation ($1.61 billion)
37. According to the research, the best supplements for arthritis are herbal-based.
(Arthritis.Org)
Supplements are becoming more popular in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, mostly because of their anti-inflammatory properties. However, most of them are herbal extracts, such as:
- Frankincense oil
- Bromelain
- Capsaicin
- Turmeric
- Devil’s claw
- Evening primrose oil
- Cat’s claw
- Ginger
- Pine bark
- Black pepper
- Cannabis
Additionally, other synthetic or natural-based compounds are becoming more popular:
FAQs
What percent of the population has arthritis?
Approximately one-quarter of the adult population has some form of rheumatoid disease. 22.7% of Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. However, it is estimated that there are about 40 million undiagnosed cases, due to the underlying and slowly developing arthritis symptomatology.
Which state has the highest rate of arthritis?
In the US, rheumatic disorders are unequally prevalent. West Virginia (33.6%), Alabama (30.4%), and Tennessee (29.4%) have the highest rates of arthritis. On the other hand, arthritis is least prevalent in Hawaii (17.2%), California (18.3%), Minnesota (18.3%), and Texas (19.8%).
How many people are diagnosed with arthritis each year?
Each year, 41 out of 100,000 people are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the US. It is estimated that there will be more than 140 million people with this condition by 2024.
What is the average age of getting arthritis?
Arthritis is commonly acquired in adulthood, although it is more prevalent with the increasing age. Juvenile arthritis develops in children and accounts for 300,000 patients in the US currently. On the other hand, adults over 65 are 35% more likely to develop arthritis than the younger population. Additionally, those older than 80 are 40% more likely to develop osteoarthritis knee symptoms than younger people.
Conclusion
More than 100 different conditions could be classified as arthritis. However, the majority of them share similar symptomatology.
Almost one-quarter of the US population has been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, and this condition is one of the leading causes of working disabilities. It presents a significant burden on global healthcare systems. Nevertheless, the novelty drugs are showing promise.
These arthritis statistics clearly show that, with an ever-aging population, arthritis symptoms are only going to increase in the following years.
