Arthritis Heading Toward Epidemic Proportions

The United States is on the brink of an arthritis epidemic. By the year 2020, arthritis is likely to affect 1 in 5 Amer-icans, according to estimates from both the Arthritis Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, the nation is facing a crisis of awareness.

Last year, a survey conducted by the Arthritis Foundation revealed that 53% of the respondents had some arthritis symptoms, yet many were unaware of the significance. Also, the survey found that 67% of the respondents were at risk for arthritis, but 52% did not know it. More than 50% said that they had no plans to see a physician about the health of their joints.