New report shows kids and young people get arthritis too

Budget bottom line would improve by providing better care earlier for people with arthritis, not charging them more for GP visits and medicines.

A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare busts the myth that arthritis is just something you get when you are old, according to Arthritis Australia.

“Arthritis affects over 3 million people of all ages including children, adolescents and young adults, as well as older people.  More than half of all people with arthritis are aged less than 65,” said Ainslie Cahill, CEO of Arthritis Australia.

To download a copy of the report Arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions across the life stages visit the AIHW website.

To view the entire media release click here

Reviewed and updated May 2014