Statistics of Osteoarthritis (OA):

Dramatic Effect of OA on Sufferers' Lives
- 56% respondents reported gaining weight, and these patients gained an average of 42 pounds since their diagnosis.
- 64% reported they were very or extremely active prior to their diagnosis. Now, only 13% of them are very or extremely active.

Weight gain and the inability to exercise have significant effects on self-esteem:
--- Of the 56% who reported they’ve gained weight as a result of their condition, 82% say it negatively affected their self-esteem.
--- 75% who reported that they have limited their exercise as a result of their condition, 69% reported that it has negatively affected their self-esteem.

-59% respondents reported losing sleep due to their OA, and of those 62% reported losing two or more hours of sleep per night.
-53% of all respondents believe OA has had a moderately or severely negative impact on their lives.
-41% watch more TV because of pain caused by OA.
-35% have avoided long car rides because of OA; almost 32% have chosen not to take a trip.
-33% have chosen not to go to a store because there was not parking close to the entrance.
-The basic activities of everyday life, such as walking, running, housework, and the ability to exercise, are impacted greatly for many OA sufferers. 72% respondents report being limited in doing everyday or routine things.

Among a list of 26 activities, the activities listed most often as very or extremely difficult because of OA are:
---Exercising to keep fit or lose weight (47%)
---Hiking or cycling outdoors (45%)
---Standing in line (40%)
---Playing sports such as golf or tennis (39%)
---Going up and down stairs (39%)
---Gardening (38%)
---Sitting for long periods of time (31%)
---House cleaning (31%)
---Working (25%)
---Traveling (22%)
---Sleeping (20%)
---Craft hobbies like woodworking or sewing (18%)
---Getting in and out of a car (17%)

How OA Sufferers Treat Their Disease
- By age 50, there is a 90% chance that you will show signs of OA.
- Reducing stress on your joints helps prevent OA.
- 60% of OA sufferers know little about joint replacement.
- 75% of OA sufferers are not satisfied with their current treatment.