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

Why 70% of People with Rheumatic Diseases Aren’t Meeting Exercise Goals—And Why It Matters

Why 70% of People with Rheumatic Diseases Aren’t Meeting Exercise Goals—And Why It Matters

Living with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs), like rheumatoid arthritis, often means battling fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness on a daily basis. But did you know that regular physical activity... ...more

Arthritis ,diet Treatment Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis &Pain Management

November 06, 20244 min read

How Eating More Plants Can Help Your Joints and Overall Health

How Eating More Plants Can Help Your Joints and Overall Health

If you’re living with arthritis, you’ve probably wondered how you can reduce pain and improve your health naturally. The answer might be on your plate! A recent study published in PLOS ONE shows that ... ...more

diet ,Treatment

November 04, 20243 min read

The Link Between Diet and Skin Conditions: How Food Choices Can Affect Your Skin Health

The Link Between Diet and Skin Conditions: How Food Choices Can Affect Your Skin Health

As interest in health and wellness grows, more people are starting to explore how their diet may impact skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea. ...more

Arthritis ,diet About Arthritis &Psoriatic Arthritis

January 31, 20244 min read

AAF Top 3 Supplements for Arthritis

AAF Top 3 Supplements for Arthritis

Discover the top 3 supplements for arthritis relief: Omega-3s, Glucosamine & Chondroitin, and Turmeric. Dive into how they may ease your pain! ...more

Arthritis ,diet &Treatment

November 30, 20233 min read

Arthritis and Sleep: How to Improve Sleep Quality for Arthritis Patients

Arthritis and Sleep: How to Improve Sleep Quality for Arthritis Patients

Discover practical tips to enhance sleep quality for arthritis patients, from creating a sleep-friendly environment to managing pain and adopting healthy habits. ...more

Arthritis ,diet &Treatment

July 07, 20235 min read

Understanding the Link Between Arthritis and Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Understanding the Link Between Arthritis and Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Explore the relationship between diet and arthritis, including how certain foods can either exacerbate or alleviate symptoms. ...more

diet

May 13, 202311 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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