A Closer Look at the Most Common Type of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) – the most common form of arthritis – can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced function in the hands, knees, hips, and other joints among adults. One in 7 US adults, or 32.5 million people, have OA. Over half of adults with OA, 18.7 million people, are of working age from 18 to 64 years.

Proven Ways to Manage OA

• Attend an evidence-based self-management education workshop to learn how to better manage your OA and pain.
• Get physically active for at least 150 minutes per week as recommended for adults with arthritis by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2nd edition). If you cannot, remember that every minute of activity counts, and any activity is better than none. Physical activity is a proven way to help reduce OA pain and disability, improve mood, and increase the ability to move.
• Join an arthritis-friendly physical activity program at a local Y, park, or community center. These classes provide a proven and safe way to be active and receive physical activity benefits for OA.

A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis

CDC, the Arthritis Foundation, and OA Action Alliance released A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis: 2020 Update today. The Agenda lays out strategies and goals through which many stakeholders can improve the health and quality of life of millions of Americans with OA. These stakeholders include health care providers, policy and other decision makers, communication and marketing specialists, the business community, insurers, nongovernmental agencies, and researchers. View the report to learn how you can take action to reduce the toll of OA.