Arthritis Burden Soaring, Experts Say

Arthritis is exploding in an
aging population of U.S. baby boomers and is projected to increase by 40%
in the next two decades, according to a new study released by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the National Arthritis Data
Workgroup. The report reaffirms that nearly one in five U.S. adults (46
million people) have arthritis and an estimated 67 million people will be
affected by 2030.


The study, published in the January issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism,
found that osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, has increased
to 27 million people, up from 1990 estimates of 21 million. Other key
findings include an increase in gout (3 million adults, up from 2.1
million) and a decrease in rheumatoid arthritis (down from 2.1 million
adults to 1.3 million). The study also estimates that 294,000 U.S. children
and teenagers under age 18 (or one in 250 children) have been diagnosed
with arthritis or another rheumatologic condition.



"The prevalence of arthritis overall continues to grow in the United
States, which is not surprising given that many of the specific conditions
are age related and the general population is aging," said Charles G.
Helmick, MD, a CDC epidemiologist and a lead author on the study.
"Increases in some of the more common types of arthritis suggest a growing
impact on the health care and public health systems," he said.



According to the Arthritis Foundation, the news isn't good for the
nation's baby boomers or the economy. Already the most common cause of
disability in the U.S., arthritis limits activity for 19 million of the 46
million U.S. adults with the disease. It also exacts a hefty financial toll
on the country -- $128 billion annually.



"Even as the number of people with arthritis rises, the level of
federal funding for arthritis research has declined in today's dollar and
intervention programs that could limit the impact are being underutilized,"
said John H. Klippel, MD, president and CEO, Arthritis Foundation. "We must
reverse this trend to avoid a potential public health crisis."



The Arthritis Foundation is working to help address this ever-growing
problem. The Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act (S. 626/H.R. 1283)
proposes to strengthen arthritis public health initiatives, which would
ensure that more people are diagnosed early and avoid pain and permanent
disability. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation urges the public to take
part in effective interventions and programs that could reduce the impact.
These include getting educated about managing your arthritis through the
Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program, and getting more physically active
through the Arthritis Foundation Exercise or Aquatics Programs.
















"We urge the American people to contact their area Arthritis Foundation
for more information on arthritis programs and to find out how they can
support the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act by asking Congress
to enact this critical legislation this year," Klippel said.



For adults and children living with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation
offers resources for managing the disease, including:


-- Patient education materials including free brochures and booklets


-- Community-based health education and exercise programs including
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
and Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program


-- The national, bimonthly consumer magazine, Arthritis Today



For information about Arthritis Foundation programs in your area or for
a complimentary copy of the Arthritis Foundation's "Arthritis Answers"
brochure, which includes information on preventing and controlling
arthritis, along with tips on making daily activities easier on your
joints, visit the Arthritis Foundation at arthritis



About the Arthritis Foundation



The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing
the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's
most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in
throughout the country.



The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit
contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380
million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary
this year, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by
providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation;
and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for
those living with arthritis.


Arthritis Foundation

arthritis