Cost Of Arthritis Dramatically Increases, Reaching $128 Billion Annually

Main Category: Arthritis / Rheumatology
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging;  Public Health
Article Date: 13 Jan 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Forty-six million Americans are currently living with arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability, and paying a high price for it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced that the annual cost of arthritis to the United States economy was $128 billion in 2003 and increased by $20 billion between 1997 and 2003.

CDC attributes the dramatic increase to the aging of the population, predominantly baby boomers, and increased prevalence of arthritis. CDC also estimates an additional 8 million new cases of arthritis will be diagnosed in the next decade.

"As the nation's largest private, non-profit contributor to arthritis research, the Arthritis Foundation is enabling treatment advances that help millions of people with arthritis better manage their disease," said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "Providing useful information to those with and at risk for getting arthritis is critical. Through Arthritis Today's 2007 Drug Guide, our efforts to increase research funding and our exercise and self-help programs, the Arthritis Foundation is providing people with arthritis the information and services needed to live healthier lives."

Since 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has spent more than $380 million to support over 2,000 scientists and physicians in arthritis research. The Foundation funded $13 million in research in 2006.

Arthritis Today, the consumer health and lifestyle magazine published by the Arthritis Foundation, offers the 2007 Drug Guide, a free comprehensive reference to help people make informed decisions in dealing with the pain of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation has also reviewed arthritis research results and created "Top 10 Arthritis Advances 2006."

These information resources are valuable tools for people with arthritis seeking treatments and therapies to help manage their disease. More information about the 2007 Drug Guide and the Top 10 Advances of 2006 is available at http://www.arthritis.org - keywords "Get the Facts."

About The Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's number- one cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has 46 chapters and 150 community service points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-568-4045 or http://www.arthritis.org.

The Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org

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