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Arthritis

Updated Feburary 2005

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases and the leading cause of disability in the United States. Forty-three million Americans - nearly 1 in 6 - are affected by some form of arthritis, a group of diseases encompassing more than 100 diseases and conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Arthritis limits the daily activities of 7 million Americans, and the social and medical costs of arthritis total almost $65 billion annually. By 2020, an estimated 60 million people will be affected by the disease, and the number of people 65 years of age and older with the disease is expected to double to 41 million by 2030.

 Publications and Resources

Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Prevalence and
Impact of Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis --- United States, 2002 		A new CDC report examines racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence and impact of arthritis in order to identify priority populations for public health interventions.

Arthritis: Leading Cause of Disability

An NCSL postcard describing the burden of arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States.

National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy

A plan for a national coordinated effort for reducing the occurrence of arthritis and its accompanying disability.

Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization that supports those afflicted with the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions with advocacy, programs, services and research.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Arthritis Home Page

This web page offers information on the causes and prevalence of arthritis, how the public health community is acting to prevent and treat arthritis and what research is currently being conducted.

Return to Chronic Disease Prevention Menu Page

For information: health-info@ncsl.org
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