Osteoarthritis is becoming more and more widespread, in particular because of the aging of the population and the increase in obesity. One billion people will be affected by 2050.
- Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease.
- One billion people are expected to be affected by 2050.
- Three factors can explain this figure: the aging of the population, demographic growth and the increase in the incidence of obesity.
10 million French people suffer from osteoarthritis according to Inserm. This pathology is the most common joint disease. Recently, researchers have analyzed the data published for 30 years on osteoarthritis to estimate its impact in the world. The results appeared in The Lancet Rheumatology.
Osteoarthritis: more and more cases
“Linked to dysfunctions that involve all the components of the joint, it is characterized by destruction of the cartilage, inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the joint (synovial membrane), as well as remodeling of the layer bone located directly under the cartilage (subchondral bone), developed Inserm. It is manifested by pain and stiffness, and sometimes by inflammation and/or an accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity (effusions). It can cause a major disability, with a loss of mobility.
According to the information collected, in more than 200 countries, 15% of people aged 30 and over now suffer from osteoarthritis. The study shows that the number of cases has increased rapidly over the past three decades: in 2020, 595 million people were affected, an increase of 132% compared to 1990.”By 2050, this number is expected to approach the one billion mark.say the authors.
How to explain the increase in the number of people affected by osteoarthritis?
These scientists believe that three factors can explain this increase: aging, population growth and obesity. In fact, the risk of suffering from osteoarthritis is higher with age. “The disease affects only 3% of people under 45, but 65% of people over 65 and 80% of people over 80., observes Inserm. As for obesity, it is a “major contributor to osteoarthritis”, according to the study. In 2020, it was the cause of about 20% of osteoarthritis-related disabilities, up from 16% in 1990.”If obesity could be effectively tackled in the global population, the burden of osteoarthritis would decrease by approximately 20%.”say the authors.
Osteoarthritis: what are the ways to reduce the impact of the disease?
They recall that there is currently no treatment to cure osteoarthritis. Doctors can only slow the development of the disease or replace the damaged cartilage. “Health systems and governments have the opportunity to engage and participate in identifying vulnerable populations, addressing the drivers of obesity, and developing management strategies to prevent or slow the progression of obesity. osteoarthritis”says Dr. Liane Ong, who co-wrote the study.
