More Than 100 Types of Arthritis. Millions of Lives Affected.
Did you know arthritis affects people of all ages, including children?
World Arthritis Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about arthritis, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and other conditions affecting our joints, bones, and connective tissues.
Arthritis by the Numbers
Worldwide, approximately 1.71 billion people live with musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis and other bone, joint, and muscle disorders.
Global estimates include:
• 528 million people living with osteoarthritis (OA)
• 18 million people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• 54 million people living with gout
In the United States, approximately 53.2 million adults have been diagnosed with arthritis, representing about 1 in 5 adults.
More Than 100 Types of Arthritis
Arthritis isn’t just one disease. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions, including:
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Juvenile Arthritis (JA/JIA)
• Gout
• Lupus
• Sjögren’s Disease
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
• Reactive Arthritis
• Infectious Arthritis
And many more……..
Some conditions, including lupus and Sjögren’s, are autoimmune diseases that can also cause joint inflammation and arthritis.
Other conditions, such as avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, can cause serious joint problems. Osteonecrosis occurs when reduced blood supply causes bone tissue to die, potentially leading to joint collapse and severe secondary osteoarthritis.
Awareness Matters
Arthritis is more than joint pain. It can affect mobility, sleep, energy, independence, and quality of life.
Many people live with invisible symptoms that others may not understand.
This World Arthritis Day, let’s continue raising awareness, advocating for earlier diagnosis, supporting research, and reminding those living with arthritis and related conditions that they are not alone.
Every diagnosis matters. Every story matters. Every voice deserves to be heard.
Together, we can spread awareness, compassion, education, and hope.
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