Hand osteoarthritis – how common is it? New statistics reveal all…

The lifetime risk of developing hand osteoarthritis is 40%, estimates a new study in Arthritis & Rheumatology. One in two women, and one in four men, will develop the condition, which reduces hand strength and function and causes disability in many daily activities.

Other key statistics include:

– 41% of white people are affected compared to 29% of black people;

– 47% of obese people will develop hand osteoarthritis.

“These findings demonstrate the substantial burden of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis overall and in subgroups,” the authors say. “Increased use of public health and clinical interventions is needed to address its impact.”

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