New research from the University of Delaware indicates that arthritis places a substantial and often underestimated burden on working-age adults in the United States. Nearly 40% of adults aged 18 to 64 who have arthritis — almost 10 million people — report that the condition limits their ability to work. These findings challenge the widespread perception that arthritis primarily affects older adults, showing instead that it interferes with employment during people’s prime earning years and directly affects economic security and quality of life.

The study was co-authored by Daniel White, an associate professor of physical therapy, who analysed data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey. The findings were recently published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research. White notes that the accurate scale of the issue is likely greater than the reported figures suggest, as adults aged 65 and over were excluded from the analysis due to assumptions around retirement. With rising inflation and changing labour patterns, many people are working later in life, meaning arthritis-related work limitations are probably more widespread.

Although the survey did not distinguish between different types of arthritis or specify the exact nature of work limitations, overall health emerged as a critical factor. Respondents with mobility difficulties, such as trouble walking or climbing stairs, were significantly more likely to report that arthritis interfered with their work. In fact, 68% of people with these functional challenges said arthritis imposed greater limitations on their ability to perform their jobs, underscoring the close link between physical function and employability.

The presence of other health conditions further increased the risk of work-related impairment. People with heart disease, a history of stroke, or cancer were more likely to report limitations linked to arthritis, as were those experiencing anxiety or depression. In contrast, individuals who rated their overall health as “excellent” were far less affected. Only 23% of this group reported work limitations, highlighting how general health and wellbeing can buffer the impact of arthritis on daily functioning and job performance.

Socioeconomic factors also played a significant role. While the data did not categorise respondents by occupation, it showed that Hispanic adults, veterans, and individuals without a college education were more likely to experience arthritis-related challenges at work. These patterns suggest that people engaged in manual labour or trade-based occupations may face greater physical strain. Among veterans, past combat injuries and prolonged load-bearing activities may contribute to a higher risk of osteoarthritis and long-term joint damage.

For physical therapists like White, who specialises in knee osteoarthritis, the persistence of these figures is deeply concerning. Similar levels of work limitation were reported in 2019, indicating little progress over time. Yet White stresses that arthritis is often misunderstood as an unavoidable consequence of ageing. In reality, it is highly treatable. Through medication, structured exercise, and physical therapy, many people can reduce pain, improve mobility, and regain control. Appropriate movement, rather than avoidance, remains central to maintaining independence and sustaining working lives.

More information: Ellen Stowe et al, Prevalence of Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitations – United States, 2023, Arthritis Care & Research. DOI: 10.1002/acr.70018

Journal information: Arthritis Care & Research Provided by University of Delaware