Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most prevalent. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability, limiting mobility and reducing quality of life for millions of people worldwide. But is arthritis truly the most common cause of disability?
Prevalence of Arthritis
Arthritis affects around 350 million people globally. It is estimated that more than 20% of adults aged 18 or older have some form of arthritis. In the United States alone, over 54 million adults suffer from doctor-diagnosed arthritis. This equals nearly 1 in 4 adults.
The most common type is osteoarthritis, affecting around 30 million American adults. Rheumatoid arthritis impacts around 1.5 million people in the US. Other types like gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia affect millions more.
Clearly, arthritis in its various forms is widespread. But how does its prevalence compare to other leading causes of disability?
Leading Causes of Disability Worldwide
The World Health Organization (WHO) tracks data on disability around the world. According to WHO, here are the top 10 causes of disability globally as of 2020:
| Rank | Cause of Disability | Number of People Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low back pain | 576 million |
| 2 | Hearing loss | 430 million |
| 3 | Depressive disorders | 322 million |
| 4 | Falls | 282 million |
| 5 | Diabetes | 246 million |
| 6 | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | 227 million |
| 7 | Traumatic injuries | 223 million |
| 8 | Blindness and vision impairment | 202 million |
| 9 | Osteoarthritis | 201 million |
| 10 | Dementia | 150 million |
While osteoarthritis ranks in the top 10 at #9, there are several other conditions that cause more widespread disability like low back pain, hearing loss, and depressive disorders.
Leading Causes of Disability in the United States
The data is slightly different when looking specifically at disability in the United States. Here are the top 10 causes according to the CDC:
| Rank | Cause of Disability | Number of Adults Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mobility (serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs) | 13.7 million |
| 2 | Cognition (serious difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions) | 10.8 million |
| 3 | Independent living (difficulty doing errands alone) | 10.3 million |
| 4 | Hearing | 9.1 million |
| 5 | Vision | 8.1 million |
| 6 | Self-care (difficulty dressing or bathing) | 5.9 million |
| 7 | Arthritis/rheumatism | 4.3 million |
| 8 | Depression, anxiety, emotional/behavioral | 3.9 million |
| 9 | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | 2.6 million |
| 10 | Diabetes | 2.4 million |
While arthritis and rheumatism is in the top 10 at #7, other conditions like mobility impairment, cognitive decline, and vision/hearing loss affect even larger numbers of American adults.
Is Arthritis the Leading Cause of Disability?
Based on the prevalence data, arthritis is clearly not the single leading cause of disability worldwide or in the United States specifically. However, it remains one of the most significant and widespread causes of disability globally and nationally.
Key facts about arthritis and disability include:
- Osteoarthritis is the #9 leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting 201 million people.
- Arthritis and rheumatism ranks #7 among conditions causing disability in the U.S., affecting 4.3 million adults.
- Arthritis is more likely to cause disability as people age. More than half of adults with arthritis are under age 65.
- Arthritis limits activities and restricts participation in work and social roles for around 40% of people who have it.
- People with arthritis have a higher prevalence of physical disability compared to those without arthritis.
So while other conditions like back pain, impaired cognition, and poor vision/hearing ranked higher, arthritis remains one of the most significant contributors to loss of mobility and independence both globally and in the United States.
Factors Affecting Disability from Arthritis
The level of disability arthritis causes can depend on several factors:
Type of Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis generally leads to more severe disability than osteoarthritis. Early onset rheumatoid arthritis can be extremely disabling if not treated properly. An estimated one-third of people with rheumatoid arthritis are permanently work disabled during their lifetimes.
Areas Affected
Arthritis in weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees tends to cause more disability than arthritis in the hands or feet. Osteoarthritis of the lower back or neck can also severely impair mobility.
Access to Treatment
Limited access to medical treatment can worsen disability from arthritis. Early diagnosis, medications, physical therapy, joint injections, braces, and assistive devices can all help slow progression.
Lifestyle Factors
Obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet can accelerate arthritis progression and disability. Keeping active with exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight are key.
Demographic Factors
Older people experience higher rates of disability from arthritis. Women are also at greater risk than men. Other socioeconomic factors like low income can contribute to worse outcomes.
Other Medical Conditions
Co-existing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression can worsen disability from arthritis. Effectively managing these other conditions helps reduce risk.
Conclusion
While not the single leading cause, arthritis remains one of the top conditions contributing to disability worldwide and in the United States. It is estimated to affect more than 350 million people globally and 54 million adults nationally. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms.
Arthritis frequently causes mobility impairment and difficulty completing daily tasks. It limits participation in work, social functions, and other life activities. Keeping arthritis under control with proper treatment can help reduce progressive disability over time. Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight are also key for preventing disability.
So while other health conditions like back pain and vision/hearing loss are more widespread, arthritis still represents a major public health concern. Continuing efforts to diagnose it early, manage symptoms, and promote joint health will help lessen its impact on people’s lives.