About Arthritis
As the nation’s #1 cause of disability, arthritis affects nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children. Over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions damage the joints and often other organs.
How can we assist you?
Helpful Tools for You
4 Foods Secretly Aging Your Body Faster
If you've been wondering why you feel more tired, achy, or foggy despite trying to eat well, the answer might be hiding in plain sight on your kitchen shelves. Four common food categories are silently... ...more
Arthritis ,diet Treatment About Arthritis &Pain Management
August 07, 2025•10 min read
How Your Weight is Secretly Damaging Your Joints (And What You Can Do About It)
When 62-year-old Carol stepped on the scale last month, she couldn't believe the number staring back at her. "How did I gain 40 pounds without really noticing?" she wondered. But the real shock came w... ...more
Arthritis ,About Arthritis &Pain Management
August 05, 2025•8 min read
What Every Adult Over 50 Should Know
If you've noticed your knees aching more after climbing stairs, or your hips feeling stiff after sitting for a while, you're not alone. Millions of adults are discovering a connection they never expec... ...more
Arthritis ,About Arthritis &Pain Management
July 31, 2025•7 min read
How Walking, Swimming, and Cycling Are Revolutionizing Healthy Aging
New groundbreaking research reveals that these three simple activities aren't just exercise—they're your best defense against cognitive decline, joint pain, and loss of independence. Here's what the l... ...more
Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis &Pain Management
July 05, 2025•9 min read
How Water-Based Exercise Is Transforming Arthritis Care
Discover why doctors are calling aquatic therapy "exercise in a bottle" and how this gentle, science-backed approach is helping thousands of people with arthritis reclaim their active lifestyles—even ... ...more
Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis &Pain Management
June 30, 2025•8 min read
Personalized Medicine and Targeted Therapies: Your Guide to Healthcare That's Truly Made for You
Imagine walking into your doctor's office and receiving a treatment plan designed specifically for your unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health history. ...more
Arthritis ,Treatment &About Arthritis
June 21, 2025•13 min read
Effects of Arthritis
Cause of Disability
In the United States, 23% of all adults, or more than 54 million people, have arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion.
Workforce Effects
Sixty percent of US adults with arthritis are of working age (18 to 64 years). Arthritis can limit the type of work they are able to do or keep them from working at all.
Global Impact
In fact, 8 million working-age adults report that their ability to work is limited because of their arthritis. For example, they may have a hard time climbing stairs or walking from a parking deck to their workplace.
Promoting Interventions That Reduce Arthritis Pain
American Arthritis Foundation recognizes several proven approaches to reduce arthritis symptoms:
Be active. Physical activity—such as walking, bicycling, and swimming—decreases arthritis pain and improves function, mood, and quality of life. Adults with arthritis should move more and sit less throughout the day. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week is recommended.
Protect your joints. People can help prevent osteoarthritis by avoiding activities that are more likely to cause joint injuries.
Talk with a doctor. Recommendations from health care providers can motivate people to be physically active and join a self-management education program. Should your arthritis be interfering with your activities of daily living you may be a candidate to receive many new treatments, and learn how to reverse the arthritis condition.
Learn more about Arthritis:
Arthritis Advice
Get better control of your arthritis with help from our experts. Arthritis can be confusing, but don't worry, we have the tips you need to make it easier to manage.
