Arthritis and other chronic joint problems are far more common than previously thought, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The new data projects the number of adults in the U.S. with arthritis and chronic joint problems at 70 million (33 percent), or one of every three adults. For more information on the CDC study or to obtain a copy of the report, visit www.cdc.gov.“Arthritis is the number one cause of disability, and the new data confirms that arthritis and chronic joint symptoms are one of our most common public health problems,” says CDC Director Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, in a statement released by the CDC on October 24, 2002. “The CDC is committed to continuing to support the states in finding ways to reduce the arthritis-associated pain and limitations that affect so many Americans.”

The new estimate of 70 million is 60 percent higher than the 1997 estimate of 43 million. Researchers say the earlier estimate was probably too low and that the arthritis-related questions on the new survey more accurately capture undiagnosed people with chronic joint symptoms: pain, stiffness or swelling around their joints. Until now, CDC data had suggested that about one in six Americans reportedly suffered with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

The new study was part of the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the first state-by-state survey of arthritis and chronic joint symptoms. More than 212,000 U.S. residents were asked whether their doctor had ever told them they had arthritis or whether they had chronic joint symptoms during the past 12 months. Those who answered yes to the second question were included in the updated arthritis count, though the CDC notes some of those people may have had joint pain unrelated to arthritis.

The survey confirms previous studies indicating the incidence of arthritis rises with age and is more common in people who are overweight and physically inactive. According to the CDC survey, more women than men (37.3 percent and 28.4 percent, respectively) reported having arthritis and chronic joint symptoms, and whites (35.3 percent) and blacks (31.5 percent) were more likely to report symptoms than Hispanics (23.3 percent) and other racial or ethnic groups (27.8 percent). Of adults with arthritis and chronic joint symptoms, 10.6 percent report doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 10.0 percent report chronic joint symptoms, and 12.4 percent report both.

“We weren’t really surprised by the numbers,” says Dr. John Klippel, medical director of the Arthritis Foundation, in a November 13, 2002, interview. “The increases are explained by two things: First, a more sensitive survey instrument was used to conduct the study. But perhaps more importantly, several years have passed since the previous survey, and many more people are experiencing signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. In particular, a large number of baby boomers have entered their late 40s and are now experiencing osteoarthritis,” said Klippel. “As our society ages, we have every reason to believe these numbers will continue to increase.”

The new CDC data may encourage patients and family physicians to seek help for arthritis at an earlier stage. Also, if family physicians recognize statistically one in every three adults in the U.S. is likely to have arthritis, they may make appropriate referrals to orthopaedic physicians and rheumatologists sooner.

“This study underscores arthritis as a major, serious threat to the health of Americans,” Klippel says. “It is important that people begin to pay attention to their joint health, see a doctor early for proper diagnosis, and begin a plan of treatment. There have been major advances in arthritis treatment over the past decade, including medications, physical therapy and surgery, which can benefit all patients with arthritis,” he said.

These are the five states with the highest percentage of people reporting arthritis and chronic joint problems:

                    Percentage             Population Estimate

West Viriginia                   42.6                                  593,000

Kentucky                             41.1                              1,254,000

Alabama                             40.5                              1,355,000

Arkansas                            39.1                                 786,000

Michigan                             38.7                              2,867,000

Wisconsin                          38.4                              1,534,000

These five states reported the lowest percentages:

Hawaii                                17.8                                  164,000

California                           28.0                                7,023,000

Puerto Rico                       28.7                                    799,000

District of Columbia        28.7                                     130,000

Nebraska                          29.1                                     368,000

“These numbers are too big to ignore,” said Charles G. Helmrick, MD, of the CDC’s arthritis program and co-author of the study in an October 24, 2002, statement posted on the Arthritis Foundation web site ( www.arthritis.org). “Now more than ever, it is crucial for the nation to focus on arthritis as a public health problem, and for government agencies, organizations and individuals to set and act on goals to prevent and manage this disease.”