Spotlight Arthritis Diagnosis

Substantial Increases in Arthritis Diagnoses Forecasted

The number of US adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to reach nearly 67 million adults by the year 2030, including 25 million with arthritis-attributable activity limitations. These projected increases underscore the importance of physical activity, losing excess weight, and participating in self-management education classes.

Arthritis is the most common cause of physical disability and limits activity for 21 million of the 50 million US adults with arthritis at a annual cost of 128 billion dollars. Current surveys suggest that by the year 2030, the number of people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation will increase substantially in all but 2 states and the District of Columbia, because of the aging of the population. In 48 states the median increase is 16%, and in 14 states the increase will be 30%–87%, including more than a million new people affected each in California, Florida, and Texas. Read more.

Reducing the impact of your arthritis

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including self-management activities, can help people with arthritis decrease pain, improve function, stay productive, and lower health care costs. Read more about these key self-management activities.

The CDC Arthritis Program recommends participating in evidence-based programs that are proven to improve the quality of life of people with arthritis.