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Arthritis is a common condition in Australia, with approximately 3.7 million people (14.5%) suffering from it in 2022. It is the second most common cause of early retirement due to ill health in the country. The prevalence of arthritis increases with age, with older adults aged 75 and over being the most affected group. Arthritis Australia, a charitable organization, advocates for improved care, management, and quality of life for people living with arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects around 2.1 million people and leads to many hip and knee replacement surgeries. The condition also imposes a significant economic burden, with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions costing the health system an estimated $15.9 billion in 2022-23.
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What You'll Learn
Prevalence by age, sex, and location
Arthritis is an umbrella term for a wide range of inflammatory conditions that affect the bones, muscles, and joints. It can happen at any age, but its prevalence increases sharply from the age of 45 years. In 2022, just under 3.7 million people (14.5%) had arthritis in Australia, and this has remained steady since 2004-05.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Australia. In 2022, it affected an estimated 2.1 million (8.3%) people in Australia, representing 57% of people living with any form of arthritis, excluding gout. The prevalence of osteoarthritis increased with age, from 10% among people aged 45-54 to 30% of those aged 75 and over. Older adults aged 75 and over were more likely than any other age group to have arthritis, with almost one in two (48.9%) having arthritis in 2022.
Females were more likely than males to have arthritis (17.0% compared to 12.0%). The rate of osteoarthritis burden was 1.3 times higher for females than males, with more spending for older age groups and females. In 2018, the rate of osteoarthritis burden was highest for people living in Inner Regional Australia (19.9%) and lowest for those in Major Cities (12.8%). People living in areas of most disadvantage were more likely to have arthritis than those in areas of least disadvantage (18.1% compared to 11.7%).
Up to 30,000 children and young adults aged 0-24 are affected by juvenile arthritis in Australia, and more than 2.83 million people with arthritis are of working age (15-64 years). By 2040, 3,109,722 Australians could be affected by osteoarthritis, with an 80% higher prevalence in women.
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Types of arthritis
In 2022, just under 3.7 million people (14.5%) in Australia suffered from arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common type (57.0%), followed by rheumatoid arthritis (13.9%). By 2040, it is projected that 3,109,722 Australians could be affected by osteoarthritis, and 748,721 by rheumatoid arthritis.
There are over 100 types of arthritis, which is a disease that causes damage to the joints in the body. It can affect any joint, but the most common places for it to develop are the hands, ankles, knees, lower back, hips, feet, wrists, and shoulders. While anyone can develop arthritis, certain people are more at risk, including women, athletes, older people, and those who do physically demanding work. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, and in Australia, it is the second most common cause of early retirement due to ill health.
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 32.5 million Americans. It occurs when the cartilage around joints wears out over time, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis usually happens with age, but it can also be caused by joint injuries or obesity, which puts extra stress on the joints. Weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, feet, and the spine are the most common places for this type of arthritis to develop.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis, affecting more than 1.3 million Americans, 75% of whom are women. It causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased movement of the joints. It typically affects the small joints in the hands and feet, but it can also impact other organs like the eyes and skin. RA usually begins between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can show up at any age.
Gout
Gout is a common and controllable form of inflammatory arthritis that causes swelling and pain in the joints. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which leads to crystal formation in the joints, fluids, and tissues, resulting in inflammation. Men are more likely to have gout, but women can develop it after menopause.
Psoriatic Arthritis
About 10-30% of people with psoriasis will also get psoriatic arthritis, which usually starts between the ages of 30 and 50 but can begin as early as childhood. It can cause swelling in the fingers and toes, and people with this condition often have discolored or pitted fingernails. It can also affect the spine, hands, and feet.
Juvenile Arthritis
Up to 30,000 children and young adults aged 0-24 are affected by juvenile arthritis in Australia.
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Arthritis comorbidities
Arthritis is a common condition in Australia, affecting approximately 3.7 million people, or 14.5% of the population, as of 2022. It is the second most common cause of early retirement due to ill health in the country. The prevalence of arthritis increases with age, with older adults aged 75 and above being the most affected age group.
People with arthritis often experience other medical conditions, known as comorbidities. These comorbidities can worsen pain and make managing the disease more challenging, impacting overall health and quality of life. Here is a closer look at some of the common comorbidities associated with arthritis:
Mental Health Conditions
Mental and behavioural conditions are the most prevalent comorbidity among people with arthritis, affecting 38% of those living with the disease. Depression and anxiety are three times more common in people with arthritis over the age of 45 than in the general population. The increased disability, fatigue, and pain associated with arthritis are believed to contribute to the higher risk of mental health issues.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
People with inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are at a significantly higher risk of developing CVD. They are about 1.5 times more likely to have diabetes, a risk factor for CVD, than those without arthritis. Inflammation can also narrow blood vessels, making it harder for blood to reach the heart, which can lead to chest pain or angina.
Bone and Joint Issues
Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause bone loss or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can lead to painful bone fractures, and people with inflammatory arthritis are at a higher risk due to inflammation and certain medications used to treat it, such as corticosteroids. Additionally, osteoarthritis is the most common reason for hip and knee replacement surgery in Australia.
Respiratory Conditions
Several lung conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are more prevalent in people with rheumatoid arthritis than in the general population.
Other Comorbidities
Other comorbidities associated with arthritis include back problems, asthma, heart disease, stroke, vascular disease, infections, lymphomas, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Obesity is also a strong risk factor for arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis of the knee, and can further contribute to other comorbidities.
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Treatment and management
Arthritis is a common health condition in Australia, affecting around 3.7 million people (14.5%) in 2022. It is the second most common cause of early retirement due to ill health in the country. The prevalence of arthritis increases with age, with older adults aged 75 and over being the most affected age group.
Arthritis is a chronic condition with no cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Here are some aspects of treatment and management:
- Self-management: This includes adopting dietary changes and incorporating physical activity into one's routine. Staying active is crucial in managing arthritis, and healthcare providers may recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy to help patients maintain their strength and flexibility.
- Education: Learning to live with arthritis is an important aspect of management. Understanding the condition, its triggers, and its impact on daily life can empower individuals to make informed decisions and adapt their routines accordingly.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall physical function.
- Medication: Medicines are used to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve functioning.
- Specialist care: In some cases, referral to a specialist may be necessary. This could involve further investigations, such as imaging tests (ultrasound, MRI, CT scans) or blood tests, to determine the extent of joint damage or rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
- Joint replacement surgery: For severe cases of arthritis that do not respond to medication and exercise, joint replacement surgery may be an option. This involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial one, helping to restore joint function, relieve pain, and improve quality of life. The two most common types of arthritis surgery are joint fusion and joint replacement.
It is important to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing arthritis and improving overall well-being.
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Cost to the health system
Arthritis is a significant burden on the Australian health system, with the condition affecting an estimated 3.7 million people, or 15% of the population, as of 2022. This figure has remained relatively stable since 2004-05, when it stood at 15.3%. The prevalence of arthritis increases with age, with older adults aged 75 and over being the most affected demographic, at a rate of 48.9%.
The economic impact of arthritis is substantial, with the condition costing the health system an estimated $15.9 billion in 2022-23. This figure is projected to rise, with arthritis expected to cost the health system $11.92 billion by 2040. The management of arthritis and associated musculoskeletal conditions is a significant driver of healthcare costs, with hospital-admitted patient services and prescription pharmaceuticals forming the bulk of these expenses. Osteoarthritis alone accounted for nearly one-third of arthritis-related health expenditures in 2004-05, largely due to hospital costs associated with knee and hip replacements.
The National Osteoarthritis Strategy, developed by the National Osteoarthritis Project Group, aims to address the economic and health burden of osteoarthritis by advocating for increased physical activity, weight management, and improved access to non-surgical care and self-management support. The strategy emphasises the cost-effectiveness of prevention and early intervention, highlighting that for every dollar invested in such programs, the health system saves around five dollars in joint replacement costs. This is particularly pertinent given the rising rates of joint replacement surgeries, with nearly 100,000 Australians undergoing such procedures in 2016 at an estimated cost of $2 billion.
In addition to direct healthcare costs, arthritis also imposes indirect costs on society, including lost work productivity and a decline in overall wellbeing. The total economic cost of arthritis, including these indirect costs, is estimated to exceed $23 billion annually. Furthermore, arthritis is the second-leading cause of early retirement in Australia, with 59,000 people aged 15-54 projected to be unable to work due to the condition by 2030.
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Frequently asked questions
An estimated 3.7 million people in Australia, or 14.5% of the population, suffered from arthritis in 2022.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Australia, with around 2.1 million people estimated to be living with the condition in 2022.
Arthritis is the second most common cause of early retirement due to ill health in Australia. By 2030, 59,000 people aged 15-54 years are projected to be unable to work due to arthritis.
Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions cost the Australian healthcare system an estimated $15.9 billion in 2022-23. By 2040, arthritis alone is projected to cost the healthcare system $11.92 billion.
