Arthritis in Florida: Statistics and Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

Arthritis in Florida by the Numbers

Arthritis in Florida affects about 27.5% of adults, according to the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, as reported by America’s Health Rankings. That is just above the national average of 27.3%.

Arthritis is not one disease. The word covers more than 100 conditions that cause joint pain, swelling, or stiffness. Osteoarthritis (the wear and tear of joint cartilage) is the type most people mean. Florida’s rate sits close to the national one, and the state has one of the largest older-adult populations in the country. Most Florida families will deal with arthritis in some form.

Who Is Most Affected by Arthritis?

National data from America’s Health Rankings shows arthritis is not spread evenly. It is more common in:

If you fit one or more of these groups, joint pain is worth taking seriously early. It is not a reason to assume nothing can be done.

Why Arthritis Deserves Attention Even When It Feels Mild

The CDC says about 54 million US adults have arthritis, and that it is a leading cause of work disability among adults. Pain and stiffness can slowly change what you choose to do each day. Getting joint pain checked early gives you more options to talk through.

Arthritis at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale is evaluated joint by joint. Common patterns include knee arthritis, hip arthritis, elbow arthritis, ankle arthritis, and thumb arthritis (CMC), which often shows up in the hands. Shoulder pain from worn or irritated tendons is covered on our shoulder tendonitis page.

The Treatment Gap in Early and Moderate Osteoarthritis

The treatment gap in osteoarthritis at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale means this: therapy, activity changes, and anti-inflammatory medicine are no longer helping enough, but joint replacement is not the right step yet. Published research describes this gap, and many surgeons see it as a real problem in early osteoarthritis.

If that sounds like you, you may have more options to discuss. Read what degenerative osteoarthritis is and the treatment gap in orthopedics for the full picture.

Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment Options at IROSM Fort Lauderdale

Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, a triple board-certified, fellowship-trained physician, evaluates each patient one on one. He decides which non-surgical option, if any, may fit your joint and stage of arthritis. Here is an overview:

Which Arthritis Treatment Option Is Right for You?

No single treatment fits every patient or every joint. The right choice at IROSM depends on which joint hurts, how far the arthritis has gone, your overall health, and what you have already tried. Our PRP vs. stem cell vs. laser comparison and guide to PRP vs. stem cell therapy show how we think it through with patients. If cost is part of your planning, see PRP therapy cost and stem cell injection cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis in Florida