3 Million Latinos In The U.S. Have Arthritis

Data released by the Centers for Disease Control show that 3.1 million Latinos in the U.S. suffer from arthritis, prompting them to limit themselves in 1/5 of these cases. The information covers seven Latino sub-groups, specifically: Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, South and Central Americans, Dominicans and Cubans.

The specific signs of arthritis the study focused on were severe joint pain, limitations on activity, work limitations, and at least 1/5 people said they had all three. Mexicans had the highest reports of work limitations and puertorriqueños reported the most joint pain and activity limitations.

Puertorriqueños reported the highest incidence of arthritis, 22%, and cubanos had the lowest incidence, 12%. Among whites 23% reported these symptoms and the figure was 22% for African-Americans.

I know the viejitos in my life definitely suffered from arthritis, I wonder if I, too, will ultimately have to deal with it. In my experience it’s incredibly painful and does limit activities and, unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot to be done about it. Qué gacho.