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Mike Mitka

JAMA. 2002;287:1515-1516.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Atlanta—Arthritis, say activists, is a disease affecting millions of Americans that costs the United States $65 billion annually in medical and social expenses, but it is misunderstood and underappreciated by patients, physicians, and the public health community.

Speaking at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Conference on Chronic Disease Prevention and Control in February, these advocates for patients with arthritis presented several ideas for raising awareness and treatment of the disorder.

Arthritis is now the leading cause of disability, affecting more than 7 million Americans. According to the National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy, published in 1999, about 60 million Americans will be affected by 2020. But, say its authors, arthritis remains "off the radar" for many patients and their health care professionals. The study was published by the Arthritis Foundation, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and the CDC.

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