Healthy Living with Arthritis

"Arthritis is increasing in the U.S. Subscribe to the Healthy Living with Arthritis (HLWA) podcast to learn about proven programs to help manage arthritis.

With nearly 59 million U.S. adults diagnosed, arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the United States. People with arthritis can learn to manage their symptoms and connect to programs that will help them lead active, healthy lives.

More people than ever may benefit from interactive and easy-to-access arthritis education resources. CDC’s Healthy Living with Arthritis Podcast Series informs people living with arthritis and other chronic conditions about programs that can help them improve and manage their symptoms. It also discusses the benefits of healthy behaviors such as physical activity.

The latest episode of Healthy Living with Arthritis is available now during Arthritis Awareness Month. This episode focuses on a proven pain management program recognized by CDC, the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP). This episode also features a CDC arthritis expert who discusses the program in depth and provides additional resources for finding program information and enrolling in in-person and virtual workshop offerings.

CPSMP meets for 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks in convenient community locations (e.g., YMCA, community center, etc.) and is also available virtually. This program teaches skills for effectively managing chronic pain associated with chronic conditions, like arthritis, back pain, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell, and Crohn’s disease..."
Arthritis Management 

Arthritis Help for Veterans

"Veterans can learn effective, drug-free ways to ease arthritis pain and improve their quality of life with physical activity programs and self-management education workshops. 

Over one in three veterans(or 35%) have arthritis, making it a common condition among those who served in the US military.

Arthritis is more common among veterans than nonveterans overall, and is a leading cause of work and physical disability. Though arthritis affects veterans more, about 1 in 4 (or 23.7%) of all US adults has arthritis.

Among veterans, arthritis is more widespread in older adults, men, and those who are significantly overweight.

Traumatic and overuse injuries, which commonly occur during active duty, are reasons veterans may develop arthritis. Fortunately, there are low-cost or free physical activity programs and educational workshops that can help veterans feel better.

Lifestyle Management Programs

There are several proven programs to help veterans and other adults with arthritis be healthier and live with less pain. Some of these programs offer at-home and self-directed options in addition to their regularly scheduled in-person classes.

Veterans can:

• Participate in physical activity classes that can teach them how to feel their best. These classes have been shown to safely reduce pain and disability related to arthritis and improve movement and mood.
• Join self-management education workshops designed to teach people with arthritis and other chronic conditions how to control their symptoms and to develop more confidence in managing health problems that affect their lives. Classes are led by people who have experience living with arthritis or other chronic conditions.

Visit Physical Activity for Arthritis to learn more about the benefits of physical activity for arthritis..."
Arthritis and veterans 

Arthritis on the Rise

"About 54 million U.S. adults have arthritis. However, the number of men and women with arthritis is growing and expected to reach more than 78 million in 2040, according to a CDC study.

Learning what to do so you feel your best with arthritis, and being active are recommended for people with arthritis.

Arthritis Increases

CDC estimates that the number of men and women with arthritis will increase almost 49% to more than 78 million in 2040. About half of those with arthritis are working age adults—age 18 to 64 years.

An estimated 34 million adults will be limited in their usual activities because of their arthritis in 2040, an increase of 52%

 Impact of Increased Arthritis

As the number of people with arthritis increases, their need for special medical care will grow as well. Providers who are experts in arthritis, like rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons, may be harder to find and expensive. In addition, programs like Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare will also be impacted by the growing number of arthritis patients.

Among the Millions with Arthritis?

If a doctor has told you that you have arthritis, you can take steps to improve your health. Physical activity and self-management education programs are recommended to help you live better with arthritis.

• Be Active
  Physical activity decreases arthritis pain, improves people’s ability to do their usual activities, and delays disability. It is recommended that people with arthritis be moderately physically active for 150 minutes per week. CDC also recognizes physical activity programs that are proven to improve the quality of life of people with arthritis.
• Learn New Skills
  Attending self-management education programs can help adults with arthritis learn ways to manage pain, reduce depression and frustration, and gain control of their arthritis. Learning these new skills to help you feel your best can increase your confidence to manage arthritis and other conditions daily. Using these skills can make it easier to age well with arthritis and thrive..."
  Arthritis on the rise 

The Arthritis-Mental Health Connection

"If you or someone you know has arthritis and is feeling down or worried, learn about programs that can improve mood and well-being, and ease arthritis symptoms.

About 1 in 5 US adults with arthritis has symptoms of anxiety or depression. These symptoms are more common in women, younger adults, those who identify as LGBT+, those with chronic pain or other co-occurring chronic conditions, and those who are disabled, unemployed, or otherwise unable to work.

Arthritis, anxiety, and depression can all have negative effects on overall health and quality of life. Feelings of sadness or worry can interfere with a person’s ability and motivation to care for themselves properly and manage daily life, let alone manage their arthritis or other health conditions. That’s why it’s important for people who have arthritis to take care of their mental health symptoms as well as their arthritis symptoms.."
Arthritis and mental health

Physical Activity Helps Arthritis Pain

"Learn how physical activity can ease arthritis pain over time.

For many adults with arthritis, severe joint pain reduces their quality of life and limits what activities they do. Physical activity programs can help reduce arthritis pain.

Physical Activity Programs to Reduce Arthritis Pain

About 15 million US adults with arthritis report having severe joint pain. That is pain at a seven or higher on a scale of zero (no pain) to ten (as bad as it can be). Joint pain can interfere with daily activities such as:

• Carrying groceries
• Holding a cup
• Walking to the car

Physical activity can be a good way to manage and reduce arthritis pain. CDC promotes several evidence-based physical activity programsthat can help reduce arthritis pain. These programs use low-impact, arthritis-appropriate exercises and include activities such as:

• Walking
• Biking
• Swimming

These programs can help adults with arthritis of all fitness levels engage in physical activity. For adults with arthritis and severe joint pain, providers can recommend a staged approach to gradually increase physical activity.

Self-management education workshops such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) can also help adults with arthritis learn strategies to manage pain in daily life.

For a full list and descriptions of recommended and promising physical activity and self-management education workshops, visit the CDC Arthritis Program’s Lifestyle Management Programs page.."
Arthritis and pain

The Arthritis-Mental Health Connection

"Learn about the proven ways to help improve mental health and ease arthritis symptoms if you or someone you know has arthritis and is feeling down or worried.

One in 5 US adults with arthritis has symptoms of anxiety or depression.

People with arthritis are more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression than people without arthritis. It’s important for people who have arthritis to take care of their mental health. Arthritis, anxiety, and depression can all have a negative impact on quality of life.

Some common symptoms of anxiety are:

• Feeling restless or on edge
• Difficulty focusing
• Having your mind go blank
• Feeling worried or irritated
• Trouble sleeping

Some common symptoms of depression are:

• Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or gloomy
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Losing interest in hobbies and activities
• Thinking of death or suicide, and/or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, fatigue, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment..."
  Arthritis & mental health

Arthritis Across America

"One in 4 US adults are living with arthritis. Lifestyle programs can help ease arthritis pain and improve joint function.

More than 54 million US adults have arthritis. Lifestyle management programs, including physical activity and self-management education, can ease arthritis pain and improve the quality of life for people with arthritis.

New Arthritis Data

CDC researchers recently updated the Chronic Disease Indicator (CDI) database with new 2016 data. CDI acts as a tool for chronic diseases and risk factors that have a substantial effect on public health. These indicators are essential for surveillance, prioritization, and evaluation of public health interventions.

According to 2016 CDI data:

• The states with the highest rates of arthritis in the United States include: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
• 12 states have greater than 26.5% of adults living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
• Over 28% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis in the United States are physically inactive.
• Over 32% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis in the United States reported that they are in poor health..."
  Arthritis

Ways to Improve Arthritis Symptoms

"Fnd out how a home-based physical activity program for people with arthritis improved people’s symptoms.

Arthritis is a leading cause of work disability among US adults.¹ It is important to have safe, effective arthritis physical activity programs that can reach many people at low costs. A study conducted by the University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center shows that adults with arthritis improved their level of fitness in a home-based physical activity program. The study found improvements in lower body strength and flexibility, pain, fatigue, and stiffness.

What Was the Research Question?

The researchers evaluated the program to learn: Does a 12-week, home-based exercise program for adults with arthritis increase physical activity and improve arthritis symptoms, and is the program safe.."
Arthritis symptoms

Exercise to Ease Arthritis Pain

"Health care providers can talk to arthritis patients about physical activity and exercise as an option to ease arthritis pain.

Physical activity and exercise ease arthritis pain and improve the quality of life of adults living with arthritis. More than 54 million US adults have arthritis.

CDC recommends that health care providers counsel their arthritis patients to be physically active. Adults with arthritis can decrease pain and improve function by about 40% by being physically active.

Counseling Arthritis Patients

Health care providers should talk to their patients about physical activity and exercise as an option to ease arthritis pain.

A recent study¹ found that arthritis patients receiving health care providers’ counseling for exercise increased from approximately 50% in 2002 to 60% in 2014. Yet, 2 in 5 patients with arthritis are not receiving health care provider counseling for exercise..."
Arthritis and exercise

Help for Arthritis in Rural Areas

"October 12 is World Arthritis Day. In honor of the observance, CDC focuses on how self-management education workshops and physical activity programs help adults with arthritis, including those in rural and other underserved communities, manage or relieve pain and improve their health.

CDC research finds that one-third of adults in the most rural areas in the United States have arthritis, which includes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness. More than one-half of adults with arthritis are limited in their everyday activities by the condition..."
Arthritis and rural areas

Arthritis on the Rise

"About 53 million U.S. adults have arthritis. However, the number of men and women with arthritis is growing and expected to reach more than 78 million in 2040, according to a new CDC study.

Learning what to do so you feel your best with arthritis, and being active are recommended for people with arthritis.

Arthritis Increases

CDC estimates that the number of men and women with arthritis will increase almost 49% to more than 78 million in 2040. About half of those with arthritis are working age adults—age 18 to 64 years.

In this just released study, an estimated 34 million adults will be limited in their usual activities because of their arthritis in 2040, an increase of 52%..."
Arthritis

Arthritis and Quality of Life

"A new CDC study of adults aged 18 years or older reports that having multiple chronic conditions was associated with poorer outcomes for important life domains (i.e., social participation restriction, serious psychological distress, and work disability). Having arthritis as one of those multiple chronic conditions made things even worse. Because arthritis is a common condition (affects more than 1 of 5 adults) and often occurs with other chronic conditions, it is important to highlight the possible role of arthritis when discussing the negative effects of having multiple chronic conditions and the interventions needed to address those impacts..."
Arthritis

Arthritis: Take Action

"In the U.S., 53 million adults live with arthritis and almost half of adults 65 years of age or older have the condition. Arthritis can make it difficult for people to do everyday activities and participate in their communities, but there are effective strategies to manage these limitations. People with arthritis can use these successful strategies to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and reduce disability..."
Arthritis

Try Walking to Ease Joint Pai

"Despite the known benefits of physical activity to help manage arthritis, adults with arthritis are less active than adults without arthritis.¹ Walking has been shown to improve arthritis pain, fatigue, function, and quality of life,² but over 50% of people with arthritis do not walk at all (walk an average of 0 minutes per week).³ Walking is low impact on your joints, can be done almost anywhere and doesn't require special equipment or a gym membership. Celebrate Arthritis Awareness Month by starting a walking program today..."
Athritis Awareness

No Leisure-time Physical Activity in Adults with Arthritis

"The prevalence of no leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is much higher among adults with arthritis than those without arthritis, and exceeds ≥30% in 23 states. Efforts to increase physical activity levels in the general population must address the large number of adults with arthritis to be successful..."

Move to Improve Arthritis

"Physical activity is beneficial for the management of arthritis, yet data shows that 44% of people with arthritis are physically inactive. This year on World Arthritis Day, October 12, 2011, adults with arthritis are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity to better manage their arthritis each and every day..."

Differences in the Prevalence and Impact of Arthritis Among Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2002, 2003, and 2006
"We describe the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis and its impact on activities, work,
and joint pain for 6 racial/ ethnic groups: non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and multiracial or “other” respondents. We combined data from the 2002, 2003, and 2006 National Health Interview Survey
(n = 85,784) and, after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, compared racial/ethnic differences. Arthritis-attributable activity limitation, arthritis-attributable work limitation,
and severe joint pain were higher for non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and multiracial or other respondents with arthritis compared with non-Hispanic whites with arthritis. Our finding that arthritis disproportionately affects certain racial/ethnic minorities may be useful for
planning interventions."