The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study in November saying arthritis is more common in military veterans than non-veteran civilians and that Rhode Island veterans have a higher incidence of arthritis than the national average.

The study analyzed data from a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for the years 2011 to 2013. The “random digitalized dialed survey” asked participants a series of questions concerning their veteran status, whether or not they were doctor-diagnosed with arthritis as well as their demographics, such as age and sex. What the study found was that across the nation nearly one-fourth, or 25.6 percent, of veterans surveyed suffered from arthritis compared to 23.6 percent of non-veterans.

The study reads, “Veterans comprise a large and important target group for reducing the growing burden of arthritis. Those interested in veterans’ health can help improve quality of life of veterans by ensuring that they have access to affordable, evidence-based, physical activity and self-management education classes that reduce the adverse effects of arthritis.”

Of the Rhode Island participants, 28.2 percent of veterans surveyed suffer from arthritis, nearly 3 percent more than the national average.

Responding to questions, Director of Health Michael Fine, M.D., said in an email, “Arthritis is common in Rhode Island and, unfortunately, it’s even more common among veterans in our state. The Rhode Island Department of Health is working with the Veterans Administration Medical Center and other partners to improve the quality of life of veterans and others with arthritis. We provide access to physical activity and self-management education classes that are scientifically proven to improve function and reduce pain and disability among adults with arthritis.”

The study said, “Although a high level of physical fitness and good health are required for entry into military service, traumatic and overuse injuries are common during active duty.”

Dr. Paul A. Pirraglia, chief of Primary Care at the Providence VA Medical Center, said, “I’m not surprised to see the study say that a higher percentage of veterans suffer from arthritis. Let’s start with basic training, which the majority of our armed forces is extremely rigorous. Then throughout their time in the service veterans there is a high physical demand. There is a lot of jumping and falling. They have to carry a large load of body armor and equipment. All of this is going to put a strain on the joints. It may not be an acute injury, but it is a prolonged strain over the years that they serve.”

The study, though, noted five limitations, the first being the issue of BRFSS being a self-reporting system. Similarly, there was no method to verify the cause of arthritis in participants. Some states also had an insufficient sample size to fully analyze the data because of the unintentional bias of the BRFSS. Lastly, due to the variances in job descriptions in the military and, thus, the effects they could have on the joints was unaccounted for.

Joseph Wendelken, communications officer for the Department of Health, said in an email, “Some of the limitations identified are inherent to how the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is designed and implemented and come up for any study that uses Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. That being the case, CDC uses the best science that is available, and we consider their findings very reliable. The takeaway message for us is that arthritis is more common among the Rhode Island veteran population than the general population.”

Although arthritis is prevalent among veterans in the state, there are natural ways to relieve some pain.

Pirraglia said, “Activity can be good. Let’s say the arthritis is in the hand. It is good to move the joint around, grip a stress ball or rolled up cloth. If it’s in the knee go for a short walk then ice it after, whether or not you feel pain. Ice can keep the joint from becoming inflamed. Losing weight is also good to relieve arthritis pain. The less weight that is on those joints, the less they are going to strain. More than anything, we want sufferers to listen to their body.”

For more information on the CDC’s study can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6344a4.htm?s_cid=mm6344a4_w. Those suffering from joint pain call should call their primary care provider, said Pirraglia.