• 6 million Canadians
• The disease affects people of all races and both genders, though some people – like women and Indigenous Peoples – are more likely to get arthritis than others. 
• Three out of five people with arthritis are under the age of 65.
• One in 1,000 children in Canada has arthritis. 
• Arthritis can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background.

• The most common type of arthritis is called osteoarthritis, causing more than 80% of hip and knee joint replacement surgeries.
• Inflammatory arthritis affects approximately one million Canadians and includes rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

• Arthritis is the leading cause of work disability in Canada.
• In rheumatoid arthritis, research shows rates of work disability are remarkably high. Approximately two out of three (66%) people with rheumatoid arthritis have experienced short term or long-term loss of ability to work due to their disease.

• Physical activity is a strategy to manage arthritis specific health issues.
• Weight management is critical to osteoarthritis. Losing 10 pounds of excess weight translates into a decrease in stress on the knees by 40 pounds.
• According to the most recent data from Statistics Canada,55,285 knee replacements were performed in Canada between 2020 and 2021. And over $1.3 billion was spent on hip and knee replacement surgeries during that time. The number of hip and knee replacements has increased each year over the past 10 years.

A: If you recognize arthritis symptoms, it is important to speak with your physician or pharmacist about what you are experiencing. Early diagnosis and treatment are vitally important for achieving the best outcomes. A correct diagnosis is the first step towards taking control of arthritis and building a treatment plan.

While there is no known cause or cure for arthritis, the progression and symptoms of the disease can often be managed. Early diagnosis and appropriate medications, along with physical activity and weight management, are key strategies to manage arthritis, reduce disability, and improve quality of life.

A: Osteoarthritis represents more than 90% of all arthritis and is estimated to affect one in 8 (13%) Canadians. It is caused by a breakdown in the cartilage in joints resulting in bones rubbing together leading to pain, stiffness and eventual loss of use. Some forms of OA are genetically driven, while others are a result of injury, overuse, or advanced age.

Women and men are equally likely to be affected by osteoarthritis. It strikes most commonly after the age of 45, but people of all ages — from children to older adults — are at risk.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but hands and weight-bearing joints—including the spine, hips and knees—are most often affected. Other joints, like shoulders, elbows, and ankles, are less likely to be affected unless the joint has been damaged by injury.

The most common signs and symptoms of OA are:

• Pain and stiffness in a joint or several joints lasting more than two weeks
• Joint stiffness when getting up in the morning or after a period of inactivity, lasting less than 30 minutes
• Very early symptoms of OA are intermittent pain with strenuous activity; with time, the pain is present more often
• Joint crepitus (grinding)

If you are experiencing one or more of these signs, see your Doctor, Pharmacist or other member of your health care team about assessing your symptoms.

A: In inflammatory arthritis, the body’s own immune system attacks healthy joints and tissues, causing inflammation and joint damage. This category includes more than 90 different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (the most common form of inflammatory arthritis), psoriatic arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and many more.

While there are specific signs and symptoms that are associated with the different types of inflammatory arthritis, several are found in most people with inflammatory arthritis. These include:

• Morning stiffness in and around the joints lasting at least one hour
• Pain and stiffness in more than one joint area
• Pain and stiffness that worsens with immobility
• Pain and stiffness that improves with physical activity
• Reduced range of motion
• Joint swelling

The treatment for inflammatory arthritis can vary, depending on the type of arthritis as well as the severity of the disease.

If you are experiencing one or more of these signs, see your doctor or another member of your health care team about assessing and diagnosing your symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies are vital for dealing with inflammatory arthritis.

A: No, there is no known cause or cure for arthritis, but—thanks to leading research—the progression and symptoms of the disease often can be managed. Physical activity, weight management, early diagnosis and appropriate treatments are key strategies to prevent and manage arthritis, reduce disability, and improve quality of life. Learn more about Canadian efforts leading arthritis research for a cure.