Comorbidity of Arthritis ONCB

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Musculoskeletal conditions are extremely common and prevalence increases markedly with age. They can be affected by
lifestyle factors such as obesity, nutritional health, depression, and lack of physical activity. Diverse in pathophysiology, they
are linked anatomically and by their association with pain and impaired physical function. They encompass a spectrum of
conditions, from those of acute onset and short duration, to lifelong disorders. Early diagnosis is the key to ease pain while
potentially decreasing further bodily damage.
In a 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) analysis, more than 34.5 million adult participants age 18 years and
older (13% of the population) reported that they have difficulty performing routine activities of daily living because of medical
conditions. Half of the participants had a musculoskeletal condition that limited their activity. (see table 1)
Table 1: Self-Reported Limitations in Activities of Daily Living Due to Select Medical Conditions by Age
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services
Total Persons with Limitation (in 000s)
Condition 0‐17 18‐44 45‐64 65‐74 75+ Total All
Ages
Musculoskeletal [1] 282 2,242 8,196 3,213 4,096 18,211
Circulatory [2] * 657 3,735 2,031 2,591 9,014
Depression/Anxiety/Emotional Problem [3] 1,142 1,568 2,342 446 360 5,857
Diabetes * 318 1,972 1,010 919 4,218
Respiratory (Lung/Breathing Problem) 482 420 1,651 694 670 3,917
Nervous System [4]/Sensory Organ 115 878 1,563 440 469 3,492
Vision Problem 244 361 1,134 492 881 3,111
Hearing Problem 199 229 592 288 765 2,072
Cancer * 132 724 353 387 1,597
Birth Defects/Mental Retardation/
Developmental Problem
583 1,045 415 * * 2,198
Other Condition/Disorder 3,974 1,458 2,710 1,102 2,306 11,550
Total All Conditions 6,274 6,649 14,240 5,859 7,802 40,825
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a musculoskeletal condition and the most common
type of arthritis as described by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease (NIAMS). OA, seen
especially among older people, mostly affects cartilage, the hard but slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones at a
joint.12 Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another and absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement.
In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage wears away. (see figure 3) This causes bones under the cartilage to rub
together, and over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Bone spurs may form on the edges of the joint and bits of bone
or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space causing more pain and damage.
Clinically, the condition is characterized by joint pain, tenderness, limitation of movement, crepitus, occasional effusion, and
localized inflammation. It can occur in any joint but is most common in the hip, knee, and the joints of the hand, foot, and
spine. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, OA affects only joint function and not skin tissue, lungs, eyes, or blood vessels.
Symptoms can be relieved and function improved, but progression cannot be prevented. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that
mostly affects cartilage.