News In Advocacy and Research

February 25, 2008

News in Advocacy

Representative Elizabeth Coulson (R 17th District) introduced a resolution to the Illinois House of Representatives to proclaim the month of May as Arthritis Awareness Month. Read the House Resolution in full.

News in Research

NEW STUDY UNCOVERS PREVALENCE, BURDEN OF PEDIATRIC ARTHRITIS IN U.S.

A study published in the December issue of Arthritis Care & Research estimates that 294,000 U.S. children and teenagers under age 18 (or one in 250 children) have been diagnosed with arthritis or another rheumatologic condition.  The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides for the first time a more accurate estimate of the number of children diagnosed with arthritis and related conditions across the U.S. and within each state, creating a benchmark against which to measure future shifts in occurrence.

 A provision of the proposed Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act introduced in 2004 called for a better determination of the size of the childhood arthritis problem.  As a result, the CDC, in collaboration with several other organizations, began an intensive review of options on how to estimate the number of children with arthritis and related conditions, as well as what conditions should be included in such a count.  In addition to providing these improved national estimates, the study also provides estimates for each state.  "The CDC's first-ever estimates of childhood arthritis-related diagnoses show a state-by-state range from a low of 500 children in Wyoming to a high of 38,000 children in California," said Jeffrey Sacks, M.D., M.P.H., Captain in the U.S. Public Health Service at the CDC.  Study data also show that children diagnosed with arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions account for approximately 827,000 doctor visits each year, including an average of 83,000 emergency department visits.

"This study finds that one in 250 children have been diagnosed with arthritis or related conditions.  Due to the lack of availability of pediatric rheumatologists trained in the diagnosis and care of children with arthritis, we know that many children with inflammatory forms of arthritis are not diagnosed early enough to prevent disability," says Patience White, M.D., Arthritis Foundation chief public health officer and a pediatric rheumatologist.

Read the article in full. 

Research Reveals another reason disabled americans should get active

Many of the 21 million Americans suffering from joint pain caused by osteoarthritis fear the repetitive motion and weight placed on joints during exercise will lead to further joint injury and pain. A study released today helps ease those concerns. David Felson, M.D., evaluated the knees of 1,279 people over a nine year period and concluded moderate exercise does not increase the risk of getting the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA).

Dr. Felson's study also reaffirmed that obesity is a major risk factor for knee OA. Other studies have shown that losing just 10 pounds reduces pressure on the knee by 40 pounds, and that losing as few as 11 pounds can reduce a woman's risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent.

"Dr. Felson's finding is welcome news for people who are at risk for developing osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in the U.S., which effects 21 million Americans and results in significant joint pain and disability," said Patience White, M.D., chief scientific officer of the Arthritis Foundation. "This study reassures us that moderate to high intensity recreational physical activity, with its many health benefits, will not result in increasing their risk of developing painful osteoarthritis."

While more research is needed in this area, the Arthritis Foundation encourages middle-aged and older Americans at risk for osteoarthritis to consult their physician about beginning a physical activity regimen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 30 minutes of physical activity of at least moderate intensity most days of the week.

The Arthritis Foundation offers several exercise programs that follow CDC recommendations and have also been proven to reduce pain in people with arthritis. 

These include:

·         Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program

·         Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program

·         Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program