Arthritis is a serious national health problem affecting almost one million men and women and around 1000 children in Ireland.

Below are some facts and statistics about the condition:

1 in 5

Over 1 in 5 people have some form of arthritis in Ireland. This means around 915,000 (2011 census) Irish people have arthritis. Some 34% of women and 23% of men are affected by arthritis.

18% (165,000 in Ireland) of arthritis patients are less than 55 years old.

By the year 2030, 25% of adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Over 100 Types

There are over 100 types of arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and psoriatic arthritis.

Visits to the Doctor

Over 30% of GP visits relate to arthritis.

Over 60% of patients remain in the primary care system after diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis

A significant majority of people suffering from arthritis have osteoarthritis (OA). This is the "wear and tear" form of arthritis and results in joint and cartilage damage and increased risk of orthopaedic dependencies. The majority of Irish people over 55 years of age have X-Ray evidence of OA at some joint in their body.

Women are likely to be affected 2-3 times more than men by OA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

40,000 people have the severe inflammatory form called rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 70% of these rheumatoid arthritis patients are women.

Around half of adults with RA are of working age, three quarters of which are diagnosed when of working age. A third of people with RA will have stopped working within two years. It is estimated that 70% of RA patients cannot work outside the home due to their disease.

This has a huge impact not just on their own lives, but on the economy in general.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS):

 More than 44,000 people in Ireland have AS, a progressive and chronic rheumatic disorder that mainly affects the spine.

 Unemployment rates in workers with AS are three times higher than in the general population.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis affects 1 in 1000 children which makes it about as common as childhood diabetes. 

Currently, there is just one paediatric rheumatologist in Ireland.

Gout

Around 24,000 Irish adults consult their GP with gout every year.

Arthritis & Work

It is estimated that the costs of arthritis to the state in terms of lost working hours per annum is €1.6 billion.

People with arthritis make up a large proportion of people living with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are the most commonly reported cause of work-related ill health in Ireland. 

The direct cost of MSDs in the workplace in Ireland is estimated to be at least €750m.

Ireland spends more per capita (40.9%) on sickness and healthcare benefits than 24 other countries featured in a Europe-wide study.

Early Diagnosis & Treatment

Many forms of arthritis are associated with co-morbidities and early mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent long-term disability and / or disfigurement.

• 27% of people with arthritis also suffer from depression.
• 31% of people with arthritis also suffer from high cholesterol.
• 35% of people with arthritis also suffer from high blood pressure.
• 36% of people with arthritis also suffer from diabetes.
• 47% of people with arthritis also suffer from heart disease.
• 48% of people with arthritis also suffer from osteoporosis.

Arthritis & Emotions

A recent study by Arthritis Ireland revealed the true emotional impact of the condition on people’s lives:

• 48% can no longer participate in the social activities they used to enjoy
• 30% are worried about how their condition has affected their appearance
• 31% are sad and depressed, while 40% find it hard to keep going and admit their arthritis is a constant worry for them
• 40% believe their condition has had a negative impact on intimacy with their spouse or partner, with some stating they no longer have an active sex life
• Half of those who are separated, divorced or living apart believe their arthritis was a contributing factor to their relationship break-up
• 40% find basic household chores, such as “opening a tetra pack carton” or “being able to put a nappy on a child”, difficult
• 39% worry that their arthritis is a burden for their children
• 65% believe their children have a good understanding of their condition
• 73% say their children are not embarrassed by their condition
• 44% are in pain every day
• 55% feel comfortable talking to their spouse or partner about their arthritis
• 42% feel comfortable talking with their GP about their arthritis.

Arthritis & Disability

Arthritis is the single biggest cause of disability in Ireland. A significant burden of ill health and disability is attributable to arthritis.

Arthritis & Exercise & Fitness

It may seem counter-intuitive but taking regular exercise is extremely important for anybody who suffers from arthritis. Exercises, especially those that are not hard on your joints, are hugely effective in combating pain and fatigue.

Numerous studies have proven the benefits of exercises, such as walking, swimming and yoga and shown how chemicals released in the brain during physical activity reduce pain and lower inflammation without the side effects associated with medication.

Watching your weight is also essential when you have arthritis as research has shown that for every 1lb (0.45kg) gained in weight, there is a 4lb (1.8kg) increase in knee joint stress in overweight and obese people.

This has led scientists to conclude that being overweight doubles a person’s risk of suffering from knee osteoarthritis, while being obese quadruples it.