In the United States, an unexpected 220,000 children and adolescents under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with arthritis, a condition commonly associated with older individuals. This surprising statistic was revealed in a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The data for this finding was derived from the Census Bureau’s National Survey of Children’s Health, analyzing information collected from 2017 to 2021. Parents of 173,406 youths provided details, and the responses were weighed to ensure they represented a nationally representative sample.
Arthritis is characterized by pain and stiffness in one or more joints due to inflammation. While it can impact any joint in the body, juvenile arthritis primarily affects the knees, hands, and feet (NIH). Experts believe this condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues.
The exact cause of arthritis in young people remains unknown. However, the Arthritis Foundation has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that diet, toxins, allergies, or vitamin deficiencies are responsible for juvenile arthritis (Arthritis Foundation).
The CDC report also highlights that the prevalence of arthritis among children and adolescents increases with age. Additionally, those with arthritis are more likely to be overweight or have anxiety, depression, or heart conditions compared to their arthritis-free peers. The report also reveals that Black children and adolescents have twice the prevalence of arthritis compared to White individuals.
Juvenile arthritis treatment may involve a dual approach: medication to alleviate inflammation, stiffness, and pain, along with physical therapy to enhance mobility, endurance, and muscle strength.
In a similar report focusing on adults using data from 2019 to 2021, the CDC discovered that over 21% of U.S. adults, approximately 53 million people (with more women than men), have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Furthermore, this prevalence rises to approximately 50% among individuals aged 65 and older who also have another chronic disease.
This article is part of The Post’s “Big Number” series, shedding light on the statistical aspects of health issues. Additional information and relevant research can be accessed through the embedded hyperlinks.
