Adults* Reporting Joint Pain or Stiffness† in the Past 30 Days, 2006
Joint pain and stiffness can occur for many reasons. Understanding the possible causes and treatment options is key to improving joint health.
* Percentage of adults aged ≥18 years.
† In response to the questions: "During the past 30 days, have you had symptoms of pain, aching, or stiffness in or around a joint (exclude back or neck)?" and "Which joints are affected?" Respondents could report pain in more than one joint and in joints other than knee, shoulder, finger, and hip, which were the types reported most frequently.
Estimates are based on household interviews with a sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population and are derived from the National Health Interview Survey sample adult component.
During 2006, approximately 30% of adults reported experiencing some type of joint pain during the preceding 30 days. Knee pain was reported by 18% of respondents, followed by pain in the shoulder (9%), finger (7%), and hip (7%). Joint pain can be caused by osteoarthritis, injury, prolonged abnormal posture, or repetitive motion.
Data Source: National Health Interview Survey, 2006, public use data file. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Reporting Joint Pain or Stiffness, --- National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2006. MMWR 2008:57(17);467.
