May 22, 2013
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said arthritis and other chronic joint problems are far more widespread than previously thought.
One in three adults in the United States have joint problems.
Health officials and advocates said the numbers and related health care costs should continue to rise as the baby boom generation reaches old age.
The CDC said Alabama has the third highest rate of arthritis in the nation. In 2002, 40.5 percent of Alabama adults reported being diagnosed with arthritis or experiencing symptoms, such as sore or stiff joints.
The 50 state survey showed West Virginia has the highest rate of arthritis. Kentucky ranked second.
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Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Source: http://www.nih.gov/niams/healthinfo/rahandout/ (National Institutes of Health).
