A major new report shows the growing multi-billion dollar costs of arthritis to the economy, individuals and to the healthcare system and how relatively small investments could yield savings of more than $170 million a year.

Key findings of the report include:
• There are 3.9 million Australians with arthritis and this will grow to 5.4 million by 2030.
• Arthritis currently costs the health system $5.5 billion and this will grow to $7.6 billion by 2030 unless more is done to prevent and better manage the condition.
• Providing better care for people with arthritis can save the health system over $170m a year by reducing demand for joint replacements
• Arthritis is a major cause of disability and early retirement due to ill-health. This costs the government $1.1 billion in extra welfare payments and lost taxation revenue and costs the economy $7.2 billion in lost GDP alone.