The number of Australians living with arthritis is projected to increase by 31% over the next 15 years, according to a new modelling study published The Lancet Rheumatology.
The study projects that 5.4 million Australians will be living with arthritis by 2040, up from an estimated 4.1 million cases in 2025.
And it’s not just a condition of old age, as Professor Ilana Ackerman, Deputy Director at Monash University’s Musculoskeletal Health Unit, points out:
“Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints, causing pain and impacting function in all areas of life.
“(It) doesn’t just affect older people – it affects babies, children, adolescents, as well as adults of all ages.”
Affecting adults of all ages, the projected increase in arthritis cases has significant implications for Australia’s workforce and productivity.
“Arthritis can affect people’s ability to undertake their work tasks and their ability to participate in the workforce.
“As our population grows, there will be more people of working age who are living with arthritis, and this has the potential to significantly impact productivity at a national level,” Professor Ackerman said.
With such a significant surge in the number of Australians affected by this condition, the study highlights the importance of prevention and equitable access to care.
“We need to invest in effective prevention and high value care that can improve outcomes for people living with arthritis.
“For osteoarthritis, the best advice is to prevent joint injuries, maintain a healthy weight where possible, and to keep strong and physically active,” Professor Ackerman said.
However, accessing care remains a challenge, particularly for those living outside metropolitan areas.
Regional and rural Australians often face delays in diagnosis and treatment, with limited access to specialist services such as paediatric rheumatology for children with juvenile arthritis.
“People living outside of metropolitan areas face greater challenges in accessing arthritis care, particularly specialist care, including paediatric rheumatology for children living with juvenile arthritis.
“It’s critical that people living in regional and rural areas can receive a diagnosis and the treatment they need in a timely manner,” Professor Ackerman said.
For more information about arthritis and support services available, visit: Arthritis Australia.
