The State of Arthritis in Michigan
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and it limits the activities of 850,000 adults in Michigan.
The term "arthritis" covers more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, rheumatic fever, Lyme disease, carpal tunnel disease and other disorders.
In Michigan, based on 2005 survey data:
q 2.4 million adults age 18 and older reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
q 31% of adults reported having arthritis, the sixth highest arthritis prevalence rate in the country.
q Two-thirds of people with arthritis were younger than 65 years of age.
q Adults with arthritis were three to four times more likely to report having other chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease than adults without arthritis.
q The estimated medical expenditures and lost earnings due to arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in 2003 were $5.6 billion.
Risk for arthritis is associated with:
q Gender: The risk for arthritis is higher for women than men; in 2005, Michigan women had a 34% higher risk than men.
q Older age: Arthritis risk increases with age.
q Obesity: The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is associated with obesity in adults.
q Joint injuries: Sports, occupational and repetitive motion joint injuries increase the risk of arthritis.
What has been shown to help people with arthritis?
q Medical management…early diagnosis and appropriate medical management are associated with an enhanced quality of life. See a health care provider.
q Medications…for some types of arthritis, medications can limit disease progression, control symptoms and prevent serious complications.
q Physical activity…regular, moderate exercise helps maintain joint health, relieves pain and improves function.
q Reducing excess weight…can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis and limit progression of disease.
q Self-management programs…can help to reduce arthritis-related pain and decrease physician visits.
The Michigan Arthritis Program is working with multiple partners and stakeholders including the Michigan Arthritis Collaborative Partnership to ensure that people with arthritis have an improved quality of life.
For additional information, please contact:
Steve Springer, Michigan Arthritis Program Coordinator
(517) 335-8402 phone; SpringerS@michigan.gov
For a brief overview of arthritis, including its impact on people and society as well as what increases risk and what helps to improve quality of life, please open the Michigan Arthritis Fact Sheet (released January 2007).
The Michigan Arthritis Collaborative Partnership (MACP) has developed a "State of Arthritis in Michigan" PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes (released November 2006). You may use this presentation if you wish.
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