CDC: Arthritis Most Common Cause Of Disability For Americans, 19 Million+ Affected

Atlanta, GA (AHN) - A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report released on Thursday reveals that arthritis limits millions of working Americans' productivity, activity or ability to work. John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation says, "Arthritis is the nation's most common cause of disability and limits activity for 19 million adults with the disease."

A previous CDC study shows in 2003 state-specific earning losses due to arthritis ranged from $78 million to $4.3 billion. That same year, the total cost of arthritis to the United States economy was $128 billion.

Researchers and business efficiency experts reveal unemployment is higher in every state among people with arthritis. CDC anticipates the number of people with arthritis will significantly increase over the next few years, resulting in a loss of human resources and a greater economic impact across the country.

Klippel says, "With the projected increase of arthritis prevalence and growing number of Americans facing work-related challenges because of the disease, the Arthritis Foundation is increasing its commitment to improving the lives of people with arthritis."

Janet Collins, Ph.D., director, CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion says, "With 46 million Americans affected by arthritis, the numbers are overwhelming and the impact on the quality of life is clear."

There are many different forms of arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease and occurs following trauma to the joint, following an infection of the joint or simply as a result of aging. The Arthritis Foundation offers the following tips for preventing and managing arthritis:

-- Know Your Type -- With more than 100 different forms of arthritis, each requiring a specific treatment plan, it's important to see your doctor for an early and accurate diagnosis.

-- Modify Job Tasks -- Repeated use of joints in jobs that require bending and lifting is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Speak with a health care professional about ways to reduce strain on your joints.

-- Get Active -- Regular physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. Walking as little as 30 minutes -- even 10 minutes three times a day -- can ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue.

-- Control Weight -- Maintaining an appropriate weight or reducing weight to a recommended level reduces the risk of osteoarthritis. Losing just 10 pounds relieves 40 pounds of pressure on knees, and losing as little as 11 pounds may reduce joint pain and help prevent knee osteoarthritis. Losing 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half.