A recent study shows the full impact of arthritis may include more than your health.

A recent study shows the full impact of arthritis may include more than your health. According to research published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology and reported in the Wiley Online Library, people with arthritis are more likely to fall into poverty, especially women.

It's long been been known that low-income individuals have a higher risk of developing arthritis. However, this is the first study that demonstrated that the inverse may be true too, Reuters reports. Even after considering other income-affecting factors, such as geographic location and marital status, they still found that an arthritis diagnosis was linked to a greater chance of future poverty.

Arthritic women were 51 percent more likely to fall into poverty than other females. What's more, women with arthritis also had an 87 percent greater risk of what’s called multidimensional poverty, which includes poor health and lack of education in addition to low income. Meanwhile, males with arthritis had a 22 percent increased risk of falling into poverty compared to non-arthritic men.

What's the connection?

The study did not address why those with arthritis had an increased risk of falling into poverty, or prove cause and effect; it only showed that a link existed. But researchers named a few possible reasons for this relationship.

Those with arthritis may not be able to work as regularly or as long as their healthier counterparts. Because of the chronic pain and stiffness associated with this disease, arthritic individuals may not be able to perform some job-related duties. For example, those who experience hand and wrist pain as a result of arthritis may find it uncomfortable or difficult to type on a computer—a task required in many careers. That being said, those with severe arthritis may qualify for disability benefits which could improve their financial status.

Another reason people with arthritis may struggle financially is that doctor visits and prescriptions can be costly. Since there's no cure for arthritis, patients may pay for costly treatments indefinitely. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the total medical expenses and other direct costs of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in 2003 (the most recent figures available) was $80.8 billion.

Implications of the study

The study is a small start to confronting this large issue. More research is needed to better understand the problem and find solutions. For now, speak with your physician about whether your treatment plan could be adjusted to include more low-cost options. For example, there are generic versions of many prescription drugs that cost less and are just as effective.