In Oregon, arthritis affects an estimated one in three or 900,000 adults and its impact is increasing.
Disability is defined as some difficulty in performing one or more activities of daily living.
An estimated 1 out of 3 adult Oregonians currently have arthritis or another rheumatic condition. Prevailing myths inaccurately portray arthritis as an old person's disease, an inevitable part of aging that must be endured. On the contrary, some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, can be prevented with weight control, and precautions to avoid certain occupational and sports injuries. Similarly, the pain and disability accompanying all types of arthritis can be minimized through early diagnosis and appropriate management, including weight control, physical activity, self-management, physical and occupational therapy, and joint replacement surgery.