Anyone can get arthritis. Men, women, and children can develop the chronic disease. Some types of arthritis are more common in women, while other types are more common in men. Some types of arthritis are more prevalent in certain racial or ethnic groups.

Of the people reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 34 million were Caucasian, 2.6 million were Hispanic adults, and 4.5 million were African Americans.

With the expectation that the prevalence of arthritis will rise as the baby-boomer generation ages, it is important to be aware of risk factors. For example, it's important to maintain your ideal weight to lower your risk of developing arthritis. The CDC reports that 66 percent of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis are overweight or obese, compared to 53 percent of adults without doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Besides women, older adults, and those who are overweight, people with little education and people who are physically inactive have a higher prevalence of arthritis. The high prevalence of arthritis across all demographic groups points out the need for greater awareness of risk factors and symptom management so arthritis attributable activity limitations and disability can be reduced. Modifiable risk factors should get particular attention. Gender is not a modifiable risk factor, but weight, smoking, and activity level are examples of modifiable risk factors.

With the availability of several new arthritis treatments in the past decade and researchers focused on improving the outlook for arthritis patients, quality of life should improve with proper care and intervention. Reducing pain, preventing disability, and improving function are the goals for patients who live with arthritis. It begins with learning about the disease and learning how you can help yourself.