May is Arthritis Awareness Month
Arthritis Affects About 1 in 4 Adults in the U.S.
That’s over 54 million men and women. Arthritis is one of the most widespread health conditions in the United States.
Get Moving
No matter if you live in a rural area, suburb, or urban neighborhood, walking has been shown to improve arthritis pain, fatigue, function, and quality of life. There is no better time to begin a walking program or recommit yourself to a walking routine than during Arthritis Awareness Month. Walking is a great way for people with arthritis who live in rural areas to be physically active. For those uncertain about walking, proven programs such as Walk With Ease can help people get started.
Walking is recommended
All adults, including adults with arthritis, should get 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) per week and do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week according to recommendations from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Arthritis is common and a growing health threat
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability, and causes pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling of the joints, but is not a normal part of aging.
According to the CDC, Physical activity can decrease pain and improve physical function by about 40% and may reduce healthcare costs. Still, 1 in 3 adults with arthritis are inactive.
Arthritis is disabling:
- The percent of adults limited by arthritis has increased by about 20% since 2002. The everyday activities of 24 million adults are limited by it, such as holding a cup, lifting a grocery bag, or walking to a car.
- More than 1 in 4 adults with arthritis report severe joint pain.
- Adults with arthritis are more than twice as likely as adults without arthritis to report an injury related to a fall.
- Working-age adults with arthritis have lower employment than those without arthritis.
Arthritis makes it harder to manage heart disease, diabetes or obesity:
- About half of adults with heart disease (49%) or diabetes (47%) have arthritis, as do one-third (31%) of those who are obese.
- About half the adults with arthritis who also have heart disease, diabetes or obesity, have some limitation of their normal activities because of their arthritis.
- Physical activity helps manage all these conditions.
- Increased pain, fear of pain, and lack of knowledge of safe forms of physical activity can make it harder for people with arthritis to be physically active.
Vital Signs — Arthritis in America: Time to Take Action!
The percent of U.S. adults limited by arthritis has increased by about 20% since 2002. The everyday activities of 24 million adults are limited by arthritis, such as holding a cup, lifting a grocery bag, or walking to their car.
Thank you to the CDC for providing this video