As an invisible disease, arthritis affects over 350 million people worldwide, including 6 million Canadians — young and old. Arthritis can cause life-threatening complications such as a heart attack, stroke, or even blood clots and is the number one reason for work disability in Canada, costing the Canadian economy an estimated $33 billion per year. Arthritis is responsible for 1 in 10 doctor visits and 1 in 16 hospitalizations.
Plagued by misconceptions, many often think arthritis only involves minor aches and pains in older adults. That is not the reality. It’s only through arthritis research that we can find answers and save lives. As the number of cases of arthritis continue to climb so does the need to make arthritis research a priority.
Arthritis affects your joints and the tissues which surround the joints causing permanent damage. It causes inflammation, stiffness, and can drastically affect ones mobility.
With four centres across Canada, Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research centre in North America, conducting research to explore every possible avenue of discovery aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life. While a lot has been done to combat the 100+ different types of arthritis, more research is needed to ensure rheumatologists can meet the needs of the 6 million Canadians.
