WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease that most commonly affects the knee, hip, hand, and spine. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the joint breaks down, causing swelling, stiffness and pain. Over time, osteoarthritis can cause joints to become immobile. It’s estimated that 80% of adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis have some degree of movement limitation.
In our infographic we share common facts and figures related to osteoarthritis. Learn what it means to have osteoarthritis, who is at risk and what alternative treatments are available to those who suffer from this joint disease.
Who is Most at Risk for OA?
Osteoarthritis most commonly affects men and women age forty and older. That puts most Baby Boomers (adults born between 1946 and 1964) most at risk for developing osteoarthritis. In fact, there are currently 35 million adults age 65 or older in the United States, and over half already exhibit OA symptoms.
By 2030, it is estimated that this number will double to almost 70 million adults who will be at risk for developing osteoarthritis.
Knee and Hips Most at Risk
The knee and hip joints are most susceptible to developing osteoarthritis. By age 85, one in four adults will exhibit OA symptoms in the hip. For osteoarthritis of the knee, this number increases to one in two.
While osteoarthritis has no cure, current treatments are aimed at managing symptoms and improving mobility. This includes joint replacement surgeries to decrease joint pain and regain joint function.
With the current aging population trends, hip replacement surgeries will increase by 174% by 2030, and knee replacement surgeries will increase by 674%.
Future of Osteoarthritis
Are you not seeing improvement from common treatment options; such as, topical creams or gels, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, physical therapy or exercise? It may be time to explore alternative treatment options and consider participation in a clinical research trial. Patients who participate in clinical trials are not just helping advance research, they’re helping others have a healthier life. That’s why, at Chase Medical Research, our patients come first.
We are always enrolling patients into new osteoarthritis trials. To learn how you can participate, contact us today for more information.
