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.

Helpful Tools for You

The Hidden Triggers: How Your Daily Habits Can Make or Break Your Arthritis

The Hidden Triggers: How Your Daily Habits Can Make or Break Your Arthritis

Discover the surprising lifestyle factors that can either fuel your arthritis pain or help you find relief – based on the latest 2025 research ...more

Arthritis ,diet Treatment About Arthritis &Rheumatoid Arthritis

June 11, 202510 min read

Working with Arthritis: Your Guide to Career Success and Mental Well-being

Working with Arthritis: Your Guide to Career Success and Mental Well-being

How to thrive in your career while managing arthritis, protect your mental health, and know your workplace rights – based on the latest 2025 research and real-world insights ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Rheumatoid Arthritis

June 09, 202511 min read

Your Guide to Exercise and Physical Therapy in 2025: What's New and What Works

Your Guide to Exercise and Physical Therapy in 2025: What's New and What Works

Discover the latest evidence-based approaches to staying active and healthy, including breakthrough technologies that are making exercise and physical therapy more accessible than ever ...more

Arthritis ,diet &Treatment

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Beyond Pills: Revolutionary Pain Management Strategies That Actually Work

Beyond Pills: Revolutionary Pain Management Strategies That Actually Work

Discover evidence-based approaches to managing chronic pain without relying solely on medication ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment &About Arthritis

June 05, 20259 min read

Early ACL Surgery May Help Prevent Knee Arthritis, New Study Finds

Early ACL Surgery May Help Prevent Knee Arthritis, New Study Finds

New research suggests timing of ACL reconstruction may play a critical role in long-term joint health ...more

Arthritis ,Treatment About Arthritis &Pain Management

May 20, 20253 min read

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: A Heart-Healthy Choice?

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: A Heart-Healthy Choice?

As the popularity of plant-based diets continues to rise, many individuals are turning to plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) as substitutes for traditional animal products. Recent research publishe... ...more

Arthritis ,diet &Treatment

May 18, 20252 min read

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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.

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