Updated: January 2023

Author: Division of Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Vermont Department of Health

Arthritis includes more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis which is caused by degeneration of cartilage. Other forms of arthritis that occur often are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and gout. Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Arthritis is typically considered a disorder of the elderly but people of all ages (including children) can be affected. In 2013, more than a quarter (28%) of Vermont adults said they have arthritis, statistically higher than the 25% reported for all U.S. adults. Arthritis is more common in those over the age of 65, with 53% of Vermonters in that age group having arthritis. Arthritis is also more common among adults who are overweight or obese than among those who are normal weight or underweight.

Although the 2019 data point is slightly upward, there is no statistical difference in rates since 2011. This is similar to other measures related to physical activity such as Vermont adults who meet physical activity guidelines.

The Vermont Department of Health works with partners across the state to support built communities that enhance opportunities for physical activity for all Vermonters. Physical activity helps to reduce the effects of arthritis and improves overall health and mental health. Built communities take the abilities of all residents into account and work to support physical activity through accessible design and construction. As the physical environment changes to expand opportunities for walking, biking, skiing and other activity, there is greater opportunity for Vermonters to engage in leisure time physical activity.

Analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey shows that arthritis negatively affects physical as well as mental health.* The results show the health-related quality of life of people with arthritis was two to three times worse than people without it. However, it also showed that people with arthritis who were physically active reported better health-related quality of life than those who were inactive.

This indicator is important because physical activity can help improve the symptoms of arthritis and a person’s quality of life. 71% of Vermont adults with arthritis said they participate in leisure time physical activity. Although it may not meet the recommended daily amount of physical activity, engaging in any activity is a start. People with arthritis who exercise regularly experience less pain from their arthritis and have better day to day function. Unfortunately, arthritis is a common reason for not exercising. Finding the right exercise is an important step towards achieving the benefits of activity. Working with a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of rheumatic diseases that can affect the joints, muscles and bones, Vermonters can get support in finding the right kind of treatment and exercises that will help alleviate some of the pain and encourage greater physical activity for overall health. Gentle stretching, tai chi, walking or swimming can help improve range of motion and strengthen muscles while helping to reduce bone loss. Additional therapeutic exercise may be prescribed for patients. Primary care physicians can also support patients in finding the right blend of exercise and activity.

*Furner, S. E., Hootman, J. M., Helmick, C. G., Bolen, J. and Zack, M. M. (2011), Health-related quality of life of US adults with arthritis: Analysis of data from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system, 2003, 2005, and 2007. Arthritis Care Res, 63: 788–799. doi: 10.1002/acr.20430

VDH district offices

Local decision makers (select board members, town officials, public works, recreation and parks departments)

Local residents and businesses

Regional Planning Commissions

Vermont Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

Physical activity advocates: bike/pedestrian advocates, such as Local Motion, local trails, environmental or conservation groups that are concerned about preserving open space or car emissions

AARP

Physicians

The CDC recommends a number of evidence-based interventions to help adults with arthritis lead more active and healthy lives. The Arthritis Program at the CDC has created a compendium to help in selecting appropriate interventions. Compendium of Arthritis Appropriate Physical Activity and Self-Management Education Interventions

This includes a number of self-management and physical activity programs. One evidence-based program that is currently offered in Vermont is the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) which can be found on the My Healthy Vermont website. VDH is partnering with the YMCA and the Blueprint to promote the workshops through the website and through ongoing communication to educate the public and health care providers about the programs offered through the self-management programs.

Due to lack of dedicated funding, the Vermont Department of Health does not have an arthritis program. Our strategy is to work with key partners to create an environment that supports physical activity for all Vermonters through built environments and modifications that support walking, biking and other activity. Additionally, we promote the Healthier Living Workshops and employ one of the master trainers for the many Stanford self-management programs (chronic disease, pain management, diabetes, and cancer programs).

There are three behaviors, tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor diet, that lead to four chronic diseases (cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and lung disease) that result in more than 50% of death in Vermont. By focusing on the health and well-being of all Vermonters through promotion of physical activity, nutrition and tobacco prevention and cessation, we can help to prevent arthritis and ensure better quality of life for those who are living with the disease.

The BRFSS questions used to report this measure are: “has a doctor, nurse or other health professional ever told you that you had some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia? (Yes/No)” and “During the past month, other than your regular, job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise? (Yes/No)”

The proportion reported for this measure are those that respond yes to both of the questions.Results are age adjusted to the US 2000 population, using the following age groups: 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-64, 65+.

Due to BRFSS weighting methodology changes beginning in 2011, comparisons between data collected in 2011 and later and that from 2010 and earlier should be made with caution. Differences between data from 2011 forward and earlier years may be due to methodological changes, rather than changes in opinion or behavior.