Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints, with symptoms including pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. According to the CDC, arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability among adults in the United States. By 2023, approximately 24.3 million Americans will have arthritis that limits their daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and even simple housework. Women are more likely to be affected than men, accounting for 59% of the total number of patients, and age is also a key factor - nearly half of people over 50 report symptoms of arthritis. (https://tinyurl.com/3zpkbxv4)
Risk Factors for Arthritis: Are You at Risk?
▸Age and Gender
While arthritis can affect people of any age, age is one of the biggest risk factors. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 50% of people over 65 have osteoarthritis. Women are more likely to develop the disease, especially after menopause, due to hormonal changes and decreased bone density. (https://tinyurl.com/3zpkbxv4)
▸Obesity: The "Invisible Driver" of Arthritis
In the United States, the association between obesity and arthritis is particularly significant. The CDC reports that 31% of overweight or obese adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, compared to only 16% of normal-weight people. For every pound of weight gain, the stress on the knee joint increases fourfold, which explains why obese people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. (https://tinyurl.com/up9dk8nn)
▸Genetics and lifestyle
Family history is also a factor that cannot be ignored, especially for rheumatoid arthritis and gout. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle, repeated joint injuries (such as athletes or manual laborers), and smoking can increase the risk of disease. The Arthritis Foundation of America points out that quitting smoking can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 30%. (https://tinyurl.com/yyaj5w9j)
Self-management: Practical strategies for taking control of arthritis
▸Exercise is key
The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking) and 2 strength training sessions per week. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga are especially suitable for people with arthritis.
▸Dietary interventions
The Mediterranean diet (rich in fish, nuts, and olive oil) has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation.
▸Weight loss plan
For overweight people, losing 10% of body weight can reduce knee pain by 50%. (https://tinyurl.com/wzjapd72)
▸Use assistive tools
From simple crutches to advanced joint support belts, a wide range of assistive products on the US market provide convenience for patients.
Why is it so important to take action now?
Arthritis is more than just pain; it gets worse over time. Data show that 50% of untreated osteoarthritis patients will need joint replacement surgery within 10 years, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a 70% risk of joint deformity if they do not intervene in time (Arthritis Foundation, 2023). More importantly, early intervention can significantly reduce medical costs and improve quality of life. (https://tinyurl.com/murpmxbs)
In the United States, the treatment of arthritis usually involves medical expenses, but for patients who cannot afford the high medical costs, there are still some free or low-cost channels to get help. These channels mainly include government programs, nonprofit organizations, community resources, and charitable services of specific medical institutions. The following are some of the main channels in the United States that may provide free or low-cost arthritis treatment:
1.Medicaid
▸Overview: Medicaid is a federal and state-funded health insurance program for low-income people in the United States. Eligible arthritis patients can get free or low-cost doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy through Medicaid. (www.dhcs.ca.gov)
▸Eligibility: Income and assets must be below the threshold set by each state, usually applicable to low-income families, the elderly, the disabled, etc. According to 2023 data, about 83 million people in the United States enjoy Medicaid coverage.
▸How to apply: Submit an application through the Medicaid official website of each state or Healthcare.gov. For example, California's Medi-Cal website (www.dhcs.ca.gov) provides an online application portal.
▸Arthritis-related services: including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and sometimes even joint replacement surgery (depending on state policy).
2.Medicare
▸Overview: Medicare mainly serves people over 65 years old or people with specific disabilities. Although not completely free, some services (such as doctor visits and certain drugs) may be exempt from co-pays under Part A and Part B coverage. (www.ssa.gov)
▸Eligibility: Citizens over 65 years old or young people who meet the disability standards (such as severe disability caused by arthritis).
▸Arthritis-related services: Covers arthritis medications (such as ibuprofen, biologics) and physical therapy. Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) can reduce drug costs.
▸How to get it: Apply through the Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov).
3.Veterans Health Administration (VA)
▸Overview: Veterans can get free or low-cost arthritis treatment through the VA health system, especially veterans with a high incidence of arthritis (about 25%).
▸Eligibility: Veterans who have served need to register for the VA health plan.
▸Service content: Includes medication (such as NSAIDs, biologics), physical therapy, and even surgery.
▸How to apply: Visit the VA website (www.va.gov) or local VA clinic. (www.va.gov)
4.Arthritis Foundation
▸Overview: The largest arthritis-related nonprofit organization in the United States, providing free resources, education, and support. Although it does not directly provide treatment, it can connect patients to low-cost services through its network.
▸Services: A toll-free hotline (1-800-283-7800) provides advice on arthritis management and sometimes partners with local clinics to offer free exams or treatments. (www.arthritis.org)
▸How to contact: Visit www.arthritis.org for local resources.
5. Free Clinics
▸Overview: There are more than 1,400 free or charitable clinics across the United States that provide basic care to the uninsured or low-income. (www.nafcclinics.org)
▸Arthritis-related services: Basic exams, prescriptions for pain medications, and sometimes physical therapy recommendations.
▸How to find: Search for nearby clinics through the NAFC website (www.nafcclinics.org). For example, CreakyJoints Free Clinics in Florida provides free services to patients with rheumatism.
