Arthritis is the second leading cause of discharge from the military, affecting one in four veterans. Post-traumatic arthritis develops in approximately half of all cases of traumatic joint injury. Research suggests that reasons for the increased prevalence of arthritis among military compared with non-military populations include stress placed on joints during military training activities, higher injury rates, and increased weight of military packs.

Join the Arthritis Foundation, American College of Rheumatology and American Osteopathic Association for a briefing on the epidemic of arthritis among US Military service members and veterans on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Noon-1:30pm at the Cannon House Office, Building, Room 122. RSVP by Monday, February 8, 2016 to Kayla Lindsay at klindsay@arthritis.org

And don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Lunch & Learn webinar with Kenneth L. Cameron, PhD, MPH, ATC on Osteoarthritis in Military Populations on Wednesday, February 17th, Noon-12:30pm

What can you do to help? Arthritis research at the Department of Defense can help both military and veteran populations and the general public. Take a look at the Arthritis Foundation’s recommendations for how you can help take action on this issue. We encourage you to contact your Representative and Senators and educate them about the impact of arthritis on active duty personnel and veterans to help them make informed decisions about research on OA in the military!

More Information:
On the Front Lines Against Arthritis
Linking Arthritis to Old Injuries (New York Times)
Fund Arthritis Research at the Department of Defense (Arthritis Foundation)
Arthritis Foundation Executive Brief: How Arthritis is affecting the US Military
Arthritis Help for Veterans (CDC)