Arthritis costs Canada $142.4 billion every year – a figure that, until today, had never been fully measured. A new report by Arthritis Society Canada, commissioned from the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA), puts a comprehensive dollar value on the true cost of arthritis in Canada: economic, social and human.
The Economic and Social Burden of Arthritis in Canada Report examines the current and projected burden of arthritis in Canada from 2025 to 2055. While most cost-of-illness studies focus solely on disease prevalence and economic impacts, this comprehensive analysis adds a critical new element: social value loss, reflecting the dollar-equivalent wellbeing loss associated with pain, disability, reduced participation, lower independence, and lower life satisfaction.
“Arthritis is an economic and social crisis, placing an enormous burden on our society,” said Trish Barbato, President and CEO, Arthritis Society Canada. “We need to make arthritis a national priority and provide greater investment in research, prevention, treatment and policies to help people live with less pain and greater independence.”
The report projects the total annual economic and social burden of arthritis will rise to $222.3 billion by 2055, as the number of Canadians living with arthritis is expected to increase from more than 6 million today to at least 10 million over the same period.
A growing drain on Canada’s economy
To put that figure in perspective, the $142.4-billion total annual cost of arthritis is equivalent to close to five per cent of Canada’s GDP – and more than one-quarter of the entire estimated federal budget for 2026-2027.
The economic burden of arthritis was an estimated $45.9 billion in 2025 and is projected to increase to $71.3 billion annually by 2055. Productivity-related losses were the largest contributor, at $25.2 billion in 2025, encompassing absenteeism, presenteeism, reduced effectiveness at work and early withdrawal from the labour force. Direct healthcare costs accounted for approximately $14.8 billion, while private disability costs added another $5.9 billion.
By 2055, productivity-related losses are projected to reach $35.3 billion, representing 49.5 per cent of the total economic burden.
The cost of pain, disability and missing moments
The economic numbers are striking but do not capture the complete picture. Arthritis affects nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from their ability to work and participate in activities to independence, relationships and overall quality of life. For the first time, social value loss allows us to put a price on this.
In 2025, the social value loss associated with arthritis was estimated at $96.5 billion, more than twice the economic burden. By 2055, it is projected to reach $151.1 billion annually. Women with arthritis carry double the social burden compared to men with arthritis. This is yet one more example of the disproportionate impact of arthritis on women, who account for 60 per cent of all joint replacement surgeries in Canada and often report higher rates of pain, fatigue, stress and mental health challenges with arthritis.
These figures represent the often-hidden costs experienced by people living with arthritis every day: pain that limits what they can do, lost independence, work, activities and experiences they can no longer participate in, and lower life satisfaction.
“The data is undeniable: arthritis is a national crisis,” said Dr. Siân Bevan, Chief Science Officer, Arthritis Society Canada. “For the first time, we are capturing not just the economic toll, but the extraordinary human cost of living with chronic pain and that changes everything about how urgently we must respond.”
The need for action
Arthritis is much more than a healthcare issue. It is a growing economic and social crisis that affects millions of Canadians and places a significant and rising burden on the country. But Canada has an opportunity to change the trajectory of arthritis and reduce its financial and human toll.
Arthritis Action Now: The Plan to End Arthritis provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent, better treat and ultimately cure arthritis through advocacy efforts and research investments. Investing in solutions today can help lower the pressure arthritis places on Canada’s economy and healthcare system, and allow more people to live and work with less pain, greater independence and a better quality of life.
About Arthritis Society Canada
Arthritis Society Canada represents more than six million people in Canada living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research. We will not give up our efforts until everyone is free from the agony of arthritis. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca.