Osteoarthritis Statistics: An Overview
Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among adults. More than 40 million people in the United States have the disease. By 2030, an estimated 20 percent of Americans -- about 70 million people -- will have passed their 65th birthday and will be at risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Although some younger people get osteoarthritis from joint injuries, the disease most often occurs in older people. In fact, more than half of the population ages 65 and older would likely show x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint.
Both men and women have the disease. Before age 45, more men than women have osteoarthritis. After age 45, however, it is more common in women.
Specific Osteoarthritis Statistics
The following osteoarthritis statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide a breakdown of the patients receiving care for the disease.
Home Healthcare
The following statistics pertain to people with osteoarthritis who are under home healthcare:
- Number of current patients with osteoarthritis as primary diagnosis: 118,700 (as of 2000)
- Percentage of current patients with osteoarthritis as primary diagnosis: 3.1 percent (as of 2000).
Nursing Home Care
The following statistics pertain to people with osteoarthritis who are under nursing home care:
- Number of residents with osteoarthritis and other disorders: 186,700 (as of 2000)
- Percentage of residents with osteoarthritis and other disorders: 11 percent (as of 2000).
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