WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

 

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States and the world. In Wisconsin there are about 1.1 million adults (28%) who report having arthritis. Currently one in five adults report having arthritis in the United States.
Although arthritis is a leading cause of disability, there is hope: Effective treatments and programs are readily available.
The Wisconsin Arthritis Program is dedicated to improving the health of people with arthritis and reducing complications for those with arthritis. Forming and maintaining partnerships is essential for these tasks. The Wisconsin Arthritis Program uses a state public health approach to reach persons with arthritis by:

  • Promoting and assisting persons with arthritis to participate in self care programs; 
  • Assisting communities with a community health communication campaigns; 
  • Describing Wisconsin’s burden of arthritis with accurate information; Coordinating and expanding arthritis-related activities with the Wisconsin Arthritis Action Council. 


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded funds to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to establish an Arthritis Program. Wisconsin is one of 12 states with arthritis programs. Contact us if you would like more information.  

  • Arthritis affects persons of all races and ethnicities: Of adults with arthritis 28% are white; 27% are African American; 27% are Hispanic; and 18% are of other race
  • Of those with arthritis, 37.8 % have limitations in daily activities
  • Over 57% of Wisconsinites, over 65 years of age, have arthritis
  • Adults who are overweight or obese are more likely to have arthritis than those of normal weight. Of those who were obese over 13 thousand reported they also had arthritis compared to 20% without arthritis
  • Over 50% of adults with diabetes and heart disease also have arthritis
  • An estimated 5,400 Wisconsin children have arthritis

 

BURDEN OF ARTHRITIS IN WISCONSIN

Arthritis by Prevalence:

Wisconsin’s prevalence rate is similar to that of the U.S. rate of 26%.


Arthritis by Characteristics:

Although arthritis affects both men and women, women have a higher prevalence rate. During 2003–2007 about 31% of Wisconsin women (647,000) reported arthritis in comparison to 24% of Wisconsin men (484,000). More women than men have osteoarthritis. Not all types of arthritis are more common in women; more men have gout.


Arthritis Interventions:

In 2003 and 2005 only 10.5% of Wisconsin residents have taken a class to learn to manage their symptoms.

 Physical activity benefits persons with arthritis. About 47% of adults with arthritis reported a doctor or other health professional recommended physical activity or exercise to manage their arthritis.

Weight management and weight loss are an effective intervention for preventing joint diseases and disabilities. Among persons with arthritis, 21.3% reported receiving counseling from their health care provider to lose weight.

 

Arthritis Costs:

In Wisconsin costs related to arthritis and rheumatic conditions total nearly $2.4 billion per year. This amount includes $1.5 billion in direct costs (i.e., medical expenditures) and $895 million in indirect costs (i.e., lost earnings).

For complete information about the Burden of Arthritis in Wisconsin, please see our Burden documents:

 

ARTHRITIS BY DEFINITION

Arthritis means “joint inflammation”, based on a combination of Greek words; “arthron” for joint, and “itis” for inflammation. Arthritis is a chronic joint disease that affects joints, surrounding muscles, tendons, and tissues.

The conditions may cause pain, discomfort, stiffness and swelling, not only in the joints, but in the surrounding muscles, tendons, and bones.

Arthritis is comprised of over 100 disease types and rheumatic conditions. The 100 types of arthritis refer to many different conditions associated with joints, surrounding tissues, and connective tissues. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, bursitis, Lyme disease, carpal tunnel disease, and other conditions. Arthritis may be divided into two categories. One category is degenerative, and the other is inflammatory.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis condition. OA is a degenerative joint cartilage condition that often affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine. Other types arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis is associated with abnormal immune responses in the body. Most of the causes of arthritis are unknown.

People of all ages are affected by arthritis including children and adolescents. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common illnesses of childhood and adolescence. CDC estimates that there were 294,000 children with this condition during 2001-2004. Wisconsin’s estimate, derived from the national estimate, was 5,400 children.