Science in the News – Surge in Arthritis Is Forecast for US

US Federal Public Health officials are predicting a surge in the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions by the year 2030. 

About 46 million US adults currently suffer from arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and other rheumatic conditions.  An aging population, expanding waistlines, and low levels of physical activity are likely to push the number of affected people up 46% to about 67 million people by 2030, or about 25% of the projected population, according to the CDC.

Most of the increase will come from those who develop age-related degeneration of joints in the hip, knee, or elsewhere.  An estimated 25 million will be in significant pain that they will have trouble moving around, the CDC says. 

“The consequences of a ballooning epidemic are huge,” says Dr. Patience White, chief public health officer for the Atlanta-based Arthritis Foundation.  “The fact here is it’s causing an increasing number of activity limitations,” she says.  “People cannot live on their own, and the whole push today is to keep people’s independence.”

While many arthritis patients take medication for their pain, public health officials are pushing lifestyle changes like adopting a healthy diet and incorporating physical activity programs as a longer-term solution for those with arthritis and those at risk – particularly older, overweight adults.  The CDC funds programs in 36 states to promote physical activity and weight reduction to help alleVíate pain for arthritis sufferers.