Osteoarthritis Statistics in US 2025 | Key Facts

Osteoarthritis in US 2025

Osteoarthritis stands as the most prevalent form of arthritis affecting millions of Americans, representing a significant public health challenge that continues to grow with each passing year. As we navigate through 2025, the landscape of this degenerative joint disease reveals compelling statistics that underscore its impact on individuals, families, and the healthcare system. This chronic condition, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, has emerged as a leading cause of disability among working-age adults and elderly populations alike.

The year 2025 marks a critical juncture in understanding the true burden of osteoarthritis in the United States. With 32.5 million US adults currently living with clinical osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or hand, this condition affects approximately 1 in 5 Americans who have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. The economic implications are staggering, with direct and indirect costs approaching $140 billion annually, making it one of the most expensive medical conditions treated in hospitals across the nation. These numbers paint a sobering picture of a disease that touches every corner of American society, from rural communities to metropolitan areas, affecting people across all demographic groups.

Key Interesting Facts and Latest Statistics About Osteoarthritis in US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Bone and Joint Initiative, Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), accessed January 2025

The statistics presented in this comprehensive table reveal the multifaceted impact of osteoarthritis across the United States in 2025. With 32.5 million Americans currently battling clinical osteoarthritis, this degenerative joint disease has firmly established itself as the most common form of arthritis affecting the nation. The economic burden alone, totaling nearly $140 billion annually, underscores the massive financial implications for both the healthcare system and individual patients. This figure encompasses $65 billion in direct medical expenditures and substantial indirect costs from lost productivity and earnings.

The demographic patterns emerging from recent data paint a clear picture of who is most affected by this condition. The fact that 88% of people with osteoarthritis are 45 years or older highlights the age-related nature of this disease, while the gender disparity showing women at 21.5% prevalence compared to men at 16.1% reveals important differences in disease burden. Perhaps most concerning is the projection that by 2040, 78 million Americans will be living with arthritis, representing a substantial increase from current levels and signaling an urgent need for preventive strategies and improved treatment options. The 44% of arthritis patients reporting activity limitations demonstrates how this condition fundamentally alters daily life for millions of Americans.

Prevalence of Osteoarthritis in the US 2025

Overall Osteoarthritis Prevalence in the US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, accessed January 2025

The prevalence data for osteoarthritis in the United States in 2025 reveals a disease that has reached epidemic proportions, affecting tens of millions of Americans across all age groups and demographics. The core figure of 32.5 million US adults living with clinical osteoarthritis represents a substantial portion of the population struggling with chronic joint pain and functional limitations. When broadened to include all forms of arthritis, the number swells to 53.2 million adults, emphasizing that arthritis collectively represents one of the most widespread health conditions in the nation. The age-adjusted prevalence of 18.9% translates to approximately 1 in 5 American adults receiving an arthritis diagnosis at some point in their lives.

The specific joint involvement data provides crucial insights into where osteoarthritis most commonly manifests. Radiographic evidence shows that 37% of adults aged 60 and older display signs of knee osteoarthritis, making it the most frequently affected joint. The finding that more than 50% of individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis are younger than 65 challenges the common perception of osteoarthritis as solely a disease of the elderly, highlighting its impact on working-age populations. Hip osteoarthritis affects approximately 9% of the adult population, while hand osteoarthritis also contributes significantly to the overall disease burden. The racial distribution showing 78% of osteoarthritis patients being non-Hispanic white reflects both population demographics and potentially differing risk factor profiles across ethnic groups.

Age-Related Osteoarthritis Statistics in the US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2022, Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, US Bone and Joint Initiative, accessed January 2025

Age represents the single most significant risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in the United States, and the 2025 data clearly demonstrates this progressive relationship. Starting from a baseline of just 3.6% prevalence among adults aged 18-34, the rates climb steadily with each decade of life. The critical inflection point occurs at age 45, where 88% of all osteoarthritis cases are found among individuals at or above this threshold. This concentration underscores why osteoarthritis is often considered a disease of aging, though the substantial number of cases in younger populations challenges this oversimplification.

The age-specific statistics reveal important patterns in disease burden distribution. The 55-64 age group experiences the highest incidence of knee osteoarthritis, representing a period when degenerative changes accelerate and become symptomatic. By the time individuals reach 75 years or older, the prevalence soars to 53.9%, meaning that more than half of all seniors in this age bracket are affected. Interestingly, the gender dynamics shift dramatically at age 45 – while men show higher osteoarthritis rates in younger age groups, women become disproportionately affected after 45, particularly following menopause when estrogen levels decline and joint protection diminishes. The projection that 36.9 million working-age adults (45-64 years) will have osteoarthritis by 2040 highlights the substantial economic and social implications of this disease on the workforce.

Economic Burden of Osteoarthritis in the US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Bone and Joint Initiative (Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases 2018), Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, accessed January 2025

The economic impact of osteoarthritis in the United States in 2025 represents one of the most substantial financial burdens of any medical condition, with total costs approaching $140 billion annually. This staggering figure encompasses both visible healthcare expenses and the often-overlooked indirect costs that ripple through the economy. The $65 billion in direct medical expenditures covers everything from physician visits and diagnostic imaging to medications, physical therapy, and surgical interventions. When combined with $164 billion in lost earnings from reduced work productivity, absenteeism, and early retirement, the true economic toll becomes apparent.

The granular cost breakdown reveals where these billions of dollars are being spent and lost. Hospital costs alone account for $18.4 billion, representing 4.3% of all hospitalization expenditures in the United States as of 2013 data, making osteoarthritis the second most costly medical condition treated in hospitals. On an individual level, each patient with osteoarthritis faces average annual medical costs of $11,502, a significant financial burden that often persists for decades. The 9.9 million ambulatory care visits and 2.95 million inpatient hospitalizations annually demonstrate the constant demand this condition places on healthcare infrastructure. Lost productivity manifests through 180.9 million lost work days per year, with affected workers missing an average of 2 additional days compared to their peers without osteoarthritis, and earning $4,040 less annually. These figures underscore that osteoarthritis is not merely a medical issue but an economic crisis affecting the entire nation’s productivity and healthcare system.

Disability and Activity Limitations from Osteoarthritis in the US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, National Health Interview Survey, accessed January 2025

The disability burden imposed by osteoarthritis in the United States in 2025 extends far beyond joint pain, profoundly affecting patients’ ability to perform daily activities and maintain independence. The striking statistic that 44% of people with arthritis experience arthritis-attributable activity limitations reveals how this condition fundamentally alters life for millions of Americans. These limitations are not abstract concepts but concrete challenges: 30% of adults with arthritis find stooping, bending, or kneeling very difficult or impossible, while 20% struggle with basic mobility tasks like walking three blocks or pushing and pulling large objects. Such restrictions cascade through every aspect of daily life, from household chores to recreational activities.

The workplace impact of osteoarthritis-related disability carries significant personal and societal consequences. Between 2013 and 2015, 6.4 million adults indicated that arthritis was the primary reason they were limited in or completely unable to work. The employment gap shows 7.2% fewer people with arthritis working compared to those without the condition, representing hundreds of thousands of individuals forced out of the workforce prematurely. The projection that by 2040, 11.4% of all American adults will experience arthritis-attributable activity limitations signals a looming crisis in disability management. The fact that 99% of hip and knee replacements are performed to address pain and functional limitations underscores the severity of disability many patients face. Over 50% of people with knee osteoarthritis will eventually undergo total knee replacement during their lifetime, demonstrating the progressive nature of functional decline. The mental health toll is equally concerning, with osteoarthritis patients reporting 5.4 days of poor mental health per month compared to 2.8 days for those without arthritis, highlighting the psychological burden that accompanies physical disability.

Joint Replacement Surgery Statistics in the US 2025

Data sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Journal of Rheumatology projections, Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, accessed January 2025

Joint replacement surgery has become a defining feature of osteoarthritis management in the United States in 2025, with approximately 1 million combined hip and knee replacements performed annually to restore function and alleviate pain for patients with advanced disease. The breakdown shows 700,000 total knee arthroplasty procedures and over 450,000 total hip arthroplasty procedures each year, representing one of the most commonly performed surgical interventions in modern medicine. These procedures have evolved dramatically since their introduction in the 1960s, with continual improvements in surgical techniques, implant materials, and patient selection making them increasingly safe and effective for a broader patient population.

The projection data paints a picture of exponential growth in joint replacement demand over the coming decades. By 2025, estimates suggest 1.27 million total knee arthroplasties will be performed nationally, climbing to 1.92 million by 2030 and reaching a staggering 3.4 million by 2040 – representing a 401% increase from 2014 baseline levels. Hip replacement projections follow a similar trajectory, with 652,000 procedures in 2025, 850,000 in 2030, and 1.4 million by 2040, a 284% increase over current rates. This explosive growth is driven by multiple factors: an aging population, rising obesity rates, earlier diagnosis and intervention, and improved outcomes making patients more willing to undergo surgery. The success rates justify this confidence, with over 90% of replacement knees functioning well after 15 years and nearly 82% still working at 25 years. Women comprise 60% of all knee replacement patients, reflecting their higher rates of osteoarthritis after age 45. The fact that 99% of these procedures are performed specifically to address pain and restore function in osteoarthritis patients underscores the critical role surgery plays when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief.

Demographic Disparities in Osteoarthritis Prevalence in the US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2022, Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, accessed January 2025

The demographic landscape of osteoarthritis in the United States in 2025 reveals profound disparities across gender, race, socioeconomic status, geography, and education levels, painting a complex picture of who bears the greatest burden of this disease. Gender differences are immediately apparent, with women experiencing arthritis at a rate of 21.5% compared to men at 16.1%, a gap that widens significantly after age 45 when hormonal changes may contribute to increased joint vulnerability in women. This 5.4 percentage point difference translates to millions more women living with osteoarthritis-related pain and disability.

Racial and ethnic disparities present equally important patterns in disease distribution and severity. While non-Hispanic whites comprise 78% of all osteoarthritis patients and show a 20.7% prevalence rate, other racial groups display varied patterns. Black non-Hispanic individuals show a 19.2% prevalence rate but experience notably greater disease severity, progression, and worse pain and function compared to white patients. The Hispanic population shows a 14.6% prevalence rate, while Asian non-Hispanic individuals demonstrate the lowest rate at 11.3%. Interestingly, individuals identifying as other or multiple races show the highest prevalence at 22.5%. Socioeconomic factors create a clear gradient: those with family incomes below the federal poverty level show a 24.7% prevalence, progressively decreasing to 16.6% among those earning 400% or more above poverty levels. Education follows a similar pattern, with high school graduates or those with less education at 20.0% compared to college graduates at 15.3%. Geography matters substantially – rural nonmetropolitan areas show the highest prevalence at 23.5%, declining progressively through smaller cities at 20.3%, suburban areas at 18.2%, to large central metropolitan areas at 16.1%. Regional variations show the Midwest leading at 20.0%, followed by the South at 19.3%, the Northeast at 18.2%, and the West at 18.0%. These disparities reflect complex interactions between access to healthcare, occupational exposures, obesity rates, physical activity levels, and potentially genetic factors across different populations.

Pain and Quality of Life Impact of Osteoarthritis in the US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Journal of Pain Research, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, accessed January 2025

The impact of osteoarthritis on pain levels and quality of life in the United States in 2025 extends far beyond physical discomfort, affecting virtually every dimension of patient wellbeing. The finding that 80.8% of patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain experience pain daily illustrates the relentless nature of this condition. Unlike acute injuries that heal, osteoarthritis pain becomes a constant companion, fundamentally altering how patients move through their days. This chronic pain creates a cascade of negative effects on mental health, with one-third of people with arthritis over age 45 suffering from depression or anxiety, rates substantially higher than the general population.

The quantifiable health-related quality of life measurements reveal the profound toll osteoarthritis takes on physical and mental wellbeing. Adults with osteoarthritis report 5.4 days of poor mental health per month compared to just 2.8 days for those without the condition, nearly doubling the burden of psychological distress. The SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores are 3.88 points lower for osteoarthritis patients, a statistically significant reduction indicating meaningfully worse physical health status. Pain interference with daily activities shows dramatic disparities, with osteoarthritis patients being 1.99 times more likely to report moderate pain interference and 2.59 times more likely to experience severe pain interference compared to adults without osteoarthritis. Any functional limitation is 2.51 times more likely among those with osteoarthritis. The relationship between pain severity and comorbid conditions is striking, with 53.0% of moderate-to-severe pain patients being obese compared to 40.5% with mild pain, suggesting that pain may limit physical activity and contribute to weight gain, creating a vicious cycle. Sleep disturbances, insomnia, depression, and anxiety all occur at higher rates among osteoarthritis patients. The existence of social isolation and loneliness demonstrates a bi-directional relationship where pain impacts social engagement, and lack of social connection may worsen pain perception, leaving patients trapped in a cycle of suffering and isolation.

Healthcare Resource Utilization for Osteoarthritis in the US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) FastStats, National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, Journal of Pain Research, accessed January 2025

The healthcare system utilization patterns for osteoarthritis in the United States in 2025 demonstrate the enormous demand this condition places on medical resources across all care settings. With 9.9 million ambulatory care visits annually where osteoarthritis serves as the primary diagnosis, and an additional 20.78 million total office visits where OA is documented somewhere in the medical record, the sheer volume of physician encounters is staggering. These visits represent 10.6% of all office-based physician encounters, making osteoarthritis one of the most frequently cited reasons for seeking medical care in the United States.

The inpatient care burden reveals both the severity of osteoarthritis complications and the success of medical advances. Approximately 2.95 million inpatient hospitalizations occur annually for osteoarthritis and related disorders, primarily driven by joint replacement surgeries and acute exacerbations. Interestingly, while hospitalization rates remain high, the mean length of stay has dropped dramatically from 8.9 days in 1992 to just 3.4 days by 2013, reflecting improved surgical techniques, enhanced recovery protocols, and better perioperative care. However, despite shorter stays, total hospitalization charges for knee replacements alone increased from $8.4 billion in 1998 to $41.7 billion in 2013, a five-fold increase even after adjusting for inflation. Pain severity directly correlates with healthcare utilization, with patients experiencing moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain showing significantly higher rates of emergency room visits, outpatient appointments, and hospitalizations compared to those with mild pain. Medication utilization patterns show 41.0% of moderate-to-severe pain patients receiving prescribed pain medications compared to only 17.0% with mild pain, and adherence rates are notably higher among those with worse pain at 75.9% versus 64.1%. The use of over-the-counter medications is widespread, with 26.5% of moderate-to-severe pain patients using acetaminophen regularly. These utilization patterns underscore the massive resource consumption required to manage osteoarthritis across the healthcare continuum, from primary care offices to emergency departments to operating rooms.

Future Projections for Osteoarthritis in the US Through 2040

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Journal of Rheumatology, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Osteoarthritis Action Alliance projections, accessed January 2025

The future trajectory of osteoarthritis in the United States through 2040 presents a sobering picture of exponential growth in disease burden, healthcare utilization, and economic costs. Current projections indicate that by 2040, 78.4 million American adults will be living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, representing a 49% increase from the 2008-2010 baseline and affecting nearly one in four adults. This growth is not evenly distributed across age groups. The 45-64 age bracket will see 36.9 million cases by 2040, while the 65 and older population will account for 34.6 million cases. Even younger adults aged 18-44 will contribute 7.6 million cases, reflecting the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis risk factors like obesity and sedentary lifestyles affecting people at earlier ages.

The implications for disability and healthcare infrastructure are profound. By 2040, 25.9 million Americans are projected to have arthritis-attributable activity limitations, representing 11.4% of the entire adult population – more than 1 in 10 adults struggling with basic daily activities due to joint disease. The surgical demand will reach unprecedented levels with 3.4 million total knee arthroplasty procedures annually, a staggering 401% increase from 2014 levels, and 1.4 million total hip arthroplasty procedures, a 284% increase. Several converging demographic and lifestyle trends drive these projections. The aging of the baby boomer generation, with the population aged 65 and older expected to double by 2030, creates an enormous cohort at peak risk for osteoarthritis. The obesity epidemic continues unabated, with higher body mass increasing joint loading and inflammatory processes that accelerate cartilage breakdown. Longer life expectancies mean individuals are living longer with degenerative joint disease, accumulating more disability-adjusted life years. These projections signal an urgent need for enhanced prevention strategies, improved conservative treatments, more efficient healthcare delivery models, and substantial investment in research to slow or reverse osteoarthritis progression before the system becomes overwhelmed by demand.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Osteoarthritis in the US 2025

Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), accessed January 2025

Understanding risk factors for osteoarthritis in the United States in 2025 provides the foundation for prevention strategies that could dramatically reduce the future burden of this disease. Obesity stands as the single most modifiable risk factor, with 53.0% of patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain being obese. Every pound of excess weight places approximately four pounds of additional pressure on knee joints during weight-bearing activities, accelerating cartilage breakdown. Weight loss of even 5-10% of body weight can significantly reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Age remains the strongest overall predictor, with 88% of cases occurring in people 45 years or older, though age itself cannot be modified, awareness of age-related risk can motivate preventive behaviors.

Joint injuries from sports, accidents, or occupational exposures create lasting vulnerabilities that often manifest as osteoarthritis decades later. Athletes who tear knee ligaments or damage meniscus cartilage face dramatically elevated osteoarthritis risk in the affected joint. Genetic factors account for up to 60% of osteoarthritis susceptibility in some studies.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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