Impairments and disability associated with arthritis and osteoporosis

This new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare describes the impairments and disability associated with arthritis and osteoporosis among the estimated 3.9 million Australians aged 35 years or over who were reported with one of these long term conditions.

These conditions are major contributors to disability through a variety of physical and functional impairments, which may include reduced mobility of joints, pain (acute or chronic) and body stiffness.

Functional impairments are generally limitations or restrictions in carrying out everyday activities of daily living, working or participating in social activities.

For arthritis, the type and number of joints involved, influences the type and severity of any impairments, while impairments associated with osteoporosis are mostly the result of fractures or fracture-related complications.