8 Surprising Facts about Arthritis

Arthritis isn’t anything new. Even our earliest ancestors suffered through stiff, aching joints. The struggle to stay flexible and mobile can become more difficult as we age.  Some form of joint disease is usually the culprit, especially arthritis.

Joint diseases affect about 60 million adults in the United States making them the leading form of disability. Here are some interesting facts about arthritis to know.

8 Facts You Might Not Know About Arthritis

1. There are over 100 types of arthritis
Despite popular belief, arthritis isn’t just one disease. It is a broad term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints (the place where bones connect). The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the flexible, protective tissue (called cartilage) at the end of bones breaks down. It most commonly affects knees, hips, hands and the spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of the disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the joints and other organs including the liver, heart and eyes.

All forms of arthritis cause stiff, painful joints.

2. Arthritis isn’t just for older people.
People of all ages have arthritis. While rare, juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness in children under the age of 16. The chance of getting arthritis does, however, grow as you get older. This is because as you age, swelling (inflammation) may affect your joints and you may lose muscle, which is needed for stable joints.

3. Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability in the U.S.
The joint inflammation from arthritis limits movement for millions  of Americans. Nearly half of people diagnosed with it say normal physical activity is hard for them, says the Arthritis Foundation. The number of people with arthritis is expected to keep growing.

4. Arthritis affects more women than men. About 21.5 percent of women over 18 have been diagnosed with arthritis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In men over 18, about 16 percent have arthritis. With some types such as RA, the symptoms may even be worse for women.  Doctors and researchers aren’t exactly sure why, but it could be connected to hormones.

5. Exercise is the best way (aside from medication) to reduce pain and improve movement for people with OA.

Many people believe that working out with arthritis will do more harm than good. The opposite is true. The Arthritis Foundation says exercise is the best non-drug treatment for people with OA. It helps reduce pain and improve movement. Good exercises for people with OA include:

• Walking/jogging
• Swimming
• Elliptical
• Water exercises
• Stretching

6. Cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis
Growing up, you were likely told not to crack or pop your knuckles and other joints because you could get arthritis. It turns out, it’s just an old wives’ tale.  Knuckle cracking isn’t harmful to your joints and doesn’t cause arthritis.

7. Gout is a type of arthritis
Gout isn’t on most people’s radar. We may remember reading about old, overweight kings afflicted with it because they ate and drank too much. In reality, it can be triggered by lifestyle, but it’s also linked to other risk factors.  Family history, recent surgeries, traumas and other problems play a role. When there are high levels of uric acid in the blood, gout leads to painful swelling commonly in the big toe but can affect joints in the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers.

8. You can lower your chance of getting arthritis
There are no sure-fire ways to prevent arthritis. Still, there are things you can do to reduce your risks, including:

• Limiting sugar and alcohol
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding sports injuries with proper equipment and training
• Staying a healthy weight
• Not smoking

If you think you may have arthritis, talk to your doctor and get screened. The sooner you know, the sooner you can find a treatment plan that works for you.

Sources: Arthritis Basics,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; About Arthritis,  Arthritis Foundation, 2022; The Gender Gap: How RA Differs in Women,  WebMD, 2022; Is Cracking Your Knuckles Bad For You?,  WebMD, 2025; Gout,  Mayo Clinic, 2022. Arthritis in Adults Aged 18 and Older: United States, 2022,  CDC, 2024; Juvenile idiopathic arthritis,  Mayo Clinic, 2022; Disability and Health Related Conditions,  CDC, 2025