How common is arthritis globally?

August 12, 2024

The Arthritis Strategy By Shelly Manning if you are suffering from painful arthritis for long then the eBook, The Arthritis Strategy, can help you in getting rid of its in just a few days by following its 21-day program. It includes some easy-to-do exercises as well as plans to change your eating habits to some extent to get the best and fastest results even if you are suffering from arthritis for since long.


How common is arthritis globally?

Arthritis is a highly prevalent condition worldwide, affecting millions of people across various age groups, genders, and geographic regions. Here are some key statistics on the global prevalence of arthritis:

1. Overall Prevalence

  • Global Estimates: Arthritis affects more than 350 million people globally. This includes various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and gout, among others.
  • Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is the most common form of arthritis, with an estimated 300 million people affected worldwide. It is especially prevalent in older adults, but it can affect younger individuals as well, particularly those with joint injuries or obesity.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA affects approximately 1% of the global population, with higher prevalence rates in some regions. It is more common in women than in men and typically manifests between the ages of 30 and 60.

2. Regional Variations

  • North America: In the United States, over 54 million adults have some form of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This accounts for about 23% of the adult population.
  • Europe: In Europe, around 100 million people are estimated to have arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common type. The prevalence of RA in Europe is similar to global estimates, affecting about 0.3% to 1% of the population.
  • Asia: In Asia, arthritis is also a significant health issue, with osteoarthritis being particularly common due to the aging population. For example, in China, it is estimated that around 13% of adults over the age of 40 have symptomatic osteoarthritis.
  • Africa: Data on arthritis prevalence in Africa is less comprehensive, but studies suggest that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are increasingly common, particularly in urban areas where lifestyle changes are contributing to higher rates of obesity and joint injuries.

3. Trends and Projections

  • Aging Population: The prevalence of arthritis is expected to rise globally due to the aging population. Osteoarthritis, in particular, is closely linked to age, and with more people living longer, the number of people affected is projected to increase significantly.
  • Rising Obesity Rates: Obesity is a major risk factor for both osteoarthritis and gout. As obesity rates continue to rise globally, the prevalence of these forms of arthritis is also expected to increase.

Sources:

  1. World Health Organization (WHO): Provides global health statistics, including information on musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis (WHO – Musculoskeletal Conditions).
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Offers detailed data on the prevalence of arthritis in the United States (CDC – Arthritis).
  3. Global Burden of Disease Study: A comprehensive study that assesses the impact of various diseases and conditions, including arthritis, across different regions (The Lancet – Global Burden of Disease).

Arthritis is a global health challenge with significant variations in prevalence across regions, largely influenced by factors such as age, lifestyle, and access to healthcare. As the population ages and lifestyle-related risk factors increase, the global burden of arthritis is expected to rise.

The Arthritis Strategy By Shelly Manning if you are suffering from painful arthritis for long then the eBook, The Arthritis Strategy, can help you in getting rid of its in just a few days by following its 21-day program. It includes some easy-to-do exercises as well as plans to change your eating habits to some extent to get the best and fastest results even if you are suffering from arthritis for since long.