Job limitations caused by Arthritis

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report recently which indicated that roughly twelve percent of Americans, between the ages of 45 and 64, had work limitations due to arthritis.

This was the first state-by-state evaluation of work limitations related to arthritis performed by the CDC. The state assessments indicated unemployment was higher among individuals who were affected by some type of arthritis.

The medical costs of arthritis are staggering when you consider that, in 2003, more than 81 billion dollars were spent in direct medical costs, and this figure did not include the cost of lost wages due.

The Center for Disease Control and Preventions went so far as to estimate that as many as forty six million American adults have some form of arthritis, and that nearly nineteen million of those arthritis sufferers experience some limitation to their daily activities.

Already arthritis is the number one cause for disability in the United States. Statistics indicate that this problem is going to worsen as our workforce ages. Now, more than ever, it is important for employers, health departments, physicians, and state vocational rehabilitation services to take steps to insure individuals with arthritis receive the help they need to remain employed or to find employment.



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