Rheumatoid arthritis - How common is it?
Rheumatoid arthritis is fairly rare.
- Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 3 people out of 400, or 0.75 percent of adults.[1]
- Altogether, between a quarter and half a million people in the UK have rheumatoid arthritis.
- It is more common in women. Two women get rheumatoid arthritis for every one man who gets it.[1]
- The number of women who get rheumatoid arthritis has gone down since the 1960s.[1] Doctors think that the contraceptive pill may have something to do with fewer women getting the condition now. But they're still not sure.
References
- Symmons D, Turner G, Webb R et al. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in the United Kingdom: new estimates for a new century. Rheumatology. 2002; 41: 793-800.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
