The word arthritis applies to more than 100 different conditions of unknown or varied causes. Joint involvement is the most characteristic aspect of arthritis, but various forms can also result in such problems as kidney disease, blindness, and premature death. Arthritis causes pain, loss of movement, and sometimes swelling of joints and tissues. Common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus also known as Lupus or SLE, and scleroderma.
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Risk factors for arthritis are both modifiable and nonmodifiable.
Modifiable Risk:
- Overweight/Obesity
- Joint Injury
- Infection
- Occupation
Nonmodifiable Risk:
- Age
- Gender
- Genetics
Arthritis in the United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect 46 million Americans, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. As the population ages, it is estimated that the number will increase to 67 million by 2030. In 2003, the total health care cost resulting from arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the U.S. was $128 billion ($81 billion in direct costs and $47 billion in indirect costs). With the increased prevalence projections for 2030, the cost resulting from arthritis will continue to increase as well.
Arthritis in MissouriArthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and is one of Missouri’s most prevalent chronic health problems, affecting 1.4 million Missourians with a projected increase of 1.72 million by 2030. In 2003, the total cost resulting from arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in Missouri was over $2.8 billion.
In an effort to address the impact of arthritis, CDC recommends the following:
- Learning techniques to manage arthritis
- Being physically active
- Controlling weight
- Consulting a physician
Regional Arthritis Centers 
Missouri developed seven Regional Arthritis Centers (known as RACs) to focus efforts toward the CDC recommendations by offering physical activity and self-management programs for persons and families affected by arthritis and other chronic conditions. Only 13 percent of Missourians with arthritis have ever taken a class to manage their arthritis.
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program covers a wide variety of range-of-motion and endurance-building activities, relaxation techniques, and health education topics. Classes typically meet for 45 minutes two to three times per week.
EnhanceFitness focuses on stretching, flexibility, balance, low-impact aerobics, and strength training exercises. Classes meet for one hour three times per week (limited offerings).
Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program is a six-week course that consists of weekly two-hour sessions. People with arthritis learn necessary skills needed to build a personalized self-management program and gain the confidence to carry it out.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a program that specifically addresses common chronic condition issues including those related to arthritis, diabetes, and lung and heart disease (and more), while teaching useful skills for self-managing those issues. Workshops meet two and a half hours per week for six weeks.
Contact your Regional Arthritis Center to locate a physical activity and self-management program near you.
Arthrits and Physical Activity
More than 50 percent of individuals with arthritis do not get the recommended levels of nonoccupational physical activity. Increasing physical activity is essential in the management of arthritis, since physical activity has many noteworthy benefits including:
- Reduced pain
- Improved physical function
- Improved mental health
- Improved quality of life
Physical Activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever
If you experience the pain and stiffness of arthritis, there’s something you can do about it. Get more physical activity.
Recent studies show that moderate physical activity three or more days per week can help to relieve arthritis pain and stiffness and give you more energy. Regular physical activity can also lift your mood and make you feel more positive.
Find out more about what moderate physical activity is, what types are suitable for people with arthritis, and other helpful information by clicking on the resources below.
What to Take for Arthritis Pain
Arthritis and Other Chronic ConditionsWith so many Missouri adults who report having another chronic condition, it is important to address the unique barriers that having arthritis presents to participating in physical activity, especially since physical activity is often recommended to individuals who have other chronic conditions as a strategy for management.
- 61.3% of adults with diabetes also have arthritis
- 66% of adults with cardiovascular disease also have arthritis
- 52.2% of adults with hypertension also have arthritis
- 49.8% of adults with high cholesterol also have arthritis
Arthritis and Weight
Reducing the prevalence of overweight/obesity among Missouri adults who are diagnosed with specific types of arthritis can help reduce the development of symptoms of those conditions. For example, weight control can lower a person’s risk for developing osteoarthritis, and weight loss can reduce symptoms for people with knee osteoarthritis.
For more information on arthritis and its management, see the information in Related Links.