About Arthritis

The term "arthritis" covers more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues.  Arthritis includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel disease and other disorders.

Facts and Figures

• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. 
• In 2005, 46.4 million or 21.6% of US adults reported physician-diagnosed arthritis.  This represents an increase from 2002, when an estimated 20.8%, or 42.7 million, reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
• Over 303,000 young people under 16 years are affected by arthritis.
• In 2005, one in four Minnesota adults, or 978,000 Minnesotans reported arthritis that had been diagnosed by a physician.
• In 2003, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions cost the United States $127.8 billion ($80.8 billion in medical care expenditures and $47 billion in lost earnings), or 1.2% of the Gross Domestic Product.
• Each year, arthritis results in 44 million physician visits and nearly ¾ of a million hospitalizations.