More than 53 million adults in the U.S. are living with arthritis. Each May, Arthritis Awareness Month offers a timely opportunity for public health professionals to reinforce a message that is both simple and evidence-based: any physical activity is better than none, and engaging in physical activity is an important intervention for adults living with arthritis.

A recent publication in CDC’s Preventing Chronic Disease by NACDD, CDC, and Medscape Education (www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2026/25_0313.htm) highlights a critical gap: although physical activity ranks among the most effective non-pharmacologic strategies for managing arthritis pain, many clinicians lack the knowledge and confidence to counsel patients. The data revealed that fewer than 60% of the health care providers could correctly identify basic physical activity guidelines for their patients, yet after completing a brief online training, 82% reported greater awareness of effective patient engagement programs.

People with arthritis benefit from movement that is low-impact and accessible. Encourage patients and community members to consider activities such as brisk walking, yoga, swimming, dancing, gardening, and community exercise classes. Even short bouts of movement count toward the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, improving pain, energy, mood, and overall function. The message for patients is one of empowerment: small steps matter.

Arthritis Awareness Month is a shared opportunity for patients, providers, employers, and public health practitioners to reduce barriers and expand access to movement. Environmental and systems-level changes including safe walking infrastructure, supportive workplace policies, and accessible community classes, can meaningfully increase participation among people who face the greatest barriers to staying active. NACDD and partners invite you to use this month to amplify the movement message in your programs, communications, and clinical settings.

Visit chronicdisease.org, www.cdc.gov/arthritis/prevention/index.html and our partner sites for resources and tools:

• Arthritis Foundation – www.arthritis.org/
• Osteoarthritis Action Alliance – oaaction.unc.edu/community-organizations/
• YMCA of the USA – www.ymca.org/what-we-do/healthy-living/fitness/older-adults
• National Recreation and Park Association – www.nrpa.org/our-work/partnerships/initiatives/healthy-aging-in-parks/evidence-based-interventions/
• American College of Rheumatology – rheumatology.org/osteoarthritis-guideline
• American College of Sports Medine, Exercise is Medicine®- www.exerciseismedicine.org/eim-in-action/health-care/health-care-providers/
• Physical Activity Alliance – paamovewithus.org/