Posts Tagged ‘risks’

There are certain factors that have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not.

Non-modifiable risk factors

• Age: The risk of developing most types of arthritis increases with age. Nearly half of the elderly population has arthritis.
• Gender: Most types of arthritis are more common in women; 60% of all people with arthritis are women. Gout is more common in men.
• Genetic: Specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis.

Modifiable risk factors

• Overweight and Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to both the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
• Joint Injuries: Damage to a joint can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint.
• Infection: Many microbial agents can infect joints and potentially cause the development of various forms of arthritis.
• Occupation: Certain occupations involving repetitive knee bending and squatting are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee

Who is Affected by Arthritis?

• 46 million adults age 18 and older report doctor-diagnosed arthritis and 19 million report arthritis-attributable activity limitations. Children are affected as well.
• Nearly two thirds of people with arthritis are younger than 65 years of age.
• Arthritis affects all race and ethnic groups: 34.3 million white adults, 4.4 million black adults, 2.6 million Hispanic adults, and 1.3 million adults of other races have arthritis.
• Adults 65 and older, will account for 37.2% of arthritis cases in 2005, and will account for >51% of cases by 2030.
• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
• 8.2 million working aged U.S. adults (about 1 in 20) report work limitations due to arthritis or joint symptoms in 2002.
• In 2002, nearly 4.4 million US adults had chronic joint symptoms, 4 or more joints affected and associated activity limitations, yet had not seen a health care provider for these symptoms.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a serious form of rheumatic disease that can affect several organs. Death rates from SLE are 3 times more likely in African American women aged 45-64 years than White women.