1 in 10 will be affected by osteoarthritis by 2050

Osteoarthritis is proliferating all over the world, according to an international study published in the Lancet Rheumatology based on data collected on joint disease over three decades in more than 200 countries. In 2020, 595 million people were affected, an increase of 132% compared to 1990. “By 2050, this number is expected to approach the billion mark,” predict researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME), which is affiliated with the University of Washington in Seattle. Scientists attribute this dizzying increase to three main factors: aging, population growth and obesity. The prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age. In 2016-2017, it affected 3.6% of Canadians between 40-44, 28.1% between 65-69 and 47.2% between the ages of 80 and 84. Read: Low-dose steroids in RA not so bad in terms of weight, blood pressure“Given longer lifespans and a growing global population, we need to anticipate the pressures on health systems in most countries,” says Dr. Jaimie Steinmetz, senior researcher at the IHME. “It is therefore essential to focus on prevention and early intervention strategies.” She emphasizes the need to make expensive and effective treatments, such as joint replacements, more affordable in low-income countries.The study highlights that obesity or a high body mass index (BMI) are important risk factors for osteoarthritis. Scientists say we could effectively combat obesity in the global population, the burden of osteoarthritis would decrease by around 20%, after observing that obesity played a greater role over time in the prevalence of osteoarthritis. In 1990, it was responsible for 16% of disabilities due to osteoarthritis, compared to 20% in 2020.A progressive disease, which can worsen over time, osteoarthritis leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and the underlying bone. It can affect any movable joint, but most of the time it is the knees, hips, big toes, hands and spine that are affected. The disease manifests itself differently from one person to another, but the most common symptoms are joint pain, morning aches and stiffness that last less than 30 minutes, and a reduced range of movement or, sometimes, swelling in the affected joint. Read: Could initiating bridging therapy for early rheumatoid arthritis be worth it?IHME researchers estimate that, by 2050, cases of osteoarthritis of the knee will increase by 74.9%, the hip by 78.9% and those of the hand by approximately 50%. They also expect that more women than men will continue to struggle with the condition. In 2020, 61% of cases of osteoarthritis afftected women, compared to 39% of men. “We think genetics, hormonal factors and anatomical differences play a role in this sex difference,” says lead study author Dr. Jacek Kopek, a professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health.“Healthcare systems and governments have an opportunity to engage by helping identify vulnerable populations, addressing drivers of obesity, and developing management strategies to prevent or slow the progression of obesity. osteoarthritis,” says Dr. Liane Ong, who supervised the study in question. “The role that physical inactivity plays in obesity and osteoarthritis pain may have opposing, unintended negative cycles,” she says. For example, physical activity can prevent injuries earlier in life and may even benefit someone with joint pain. “It’s counterintuitive, but having joint pain does not mean that you have to remain sedentary.”This article was translated from French and originally ran in our sister publication Profession Santé.

1 in 10 will be affected by osteoarthritis by 2050

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