Osteoarthritis: Key figures and prevalence

The prevalence of osteoarthritis is highest between the age of 45-64 and women are more commonly affected than men.

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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK with 8.75 million people receiving treatment. The number might be higher, taken into consideration that there are people who have not yet been diagnosed, since diagnosis can take long.

Prevalence of osteoarthritis in the UK

The age-group 45-64 holds the highest prevalence of osteoarthritis in the UK. In general women tend to be more affected by osteoarthritis than men and in this age group it is estimated that 2.5 million women and 1.83 million men have received treatment. The oldest age-group, +75, is estimated to have 1.45 million women and 0.82 million men.

A little under a quarter of the 8.75 million patients, have osteoarthritis in their hip and almost 1 in 5 people in the UK over the age of 45 have received treatment for osteoarthritis in the knee.

Unfortunately the disability rate for osteoarthritis has been increasing and from 1990 to 2010 it increased with 16 %. The numbers are estimated to continue increasing, since we are facing a time where the UK population of the elderly and obese is rising, creating a breeding ground for osteoarthritis.

Last updated: 20/06/2019

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