Arthritis Care
Arthritis can make daily life a challenge – there’s no getting round that - but where you live can make a big difference. Some states are simply better equipped to help you manage joint pain, whether it’s because of the weather, the great doctors, or the community. World Population Review has a ranking of how each state does arthritis care, and we’ve expanded on that list for you.
New York
New York takes the top spot, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a ton of access to doctors, specialists, and rehab options, especially in NYC. Sure, the winters can be brutal, but if you’ve got joint issues, you’ll find the support you need here. Public transportation is great too, which is a big plus for those who find mobility a challenge.
Virginia
Virginia has decent weather, good health care, and not-too-crazy living costs. Whether you’re in the suburbs or close to D.C., you’ll find decent options for managing arthritis. Physical therapy centers, walking trails, and senior-friendly communities make the state pretty arthritis-friendly overall. Plus, it’s not too hot and not too cold, just what you need.
Maryland
Maryland’s got some serious health care game going on. It’s packed with rheumatologists and therapy services that make arthritis a little bit easier to manage. The state even runs programs to help folks deal with chronic conditions. The winters are a little chilly, but the level of care you get more than makes up for it.
California
No surprise here - California’s sunshine is fantastic for those with arthritis. The drier climate (especially down south) helps a lot, and there are specialists everywhere. You’ve got tons of outdoor options too, which makes staying active easier. The downside, though? It’s expensive.
Illinois
Illinois has its ups and downs as a state, but access to care - especially in Chicago- is a major plus. There are lots of specialists and rehab centers to go around. Winter isn’t exactly arthritis-friendly, but public transportation and walkable neighborhoods make life easier.
Louisiana
Warm weather is common in Louisiana, and that’s a big deal for joint pain. The state has a growing number of care options, and it’s generally more affordable than some other states, too. Humidity might bug some folks, but overall, it’s not a bad place to manage arthritis, especially if you’re sticking to the cities.
Connecticut
Small but mighty, Connecticut offers easy access to care and a strong network of joint pain specialists. It’s also got plenty of wellness programs to help folks stay active. The winters aren’t the best for arthritis, but the quality of care definitely makes up for it.
Minnesota
Minnesota might be freezing in winter, but don’t let that put you off - it’s one of the best states for arthritis care. The health care system here is top-notch, and people take wellness seriously. There are plenty of indoor options for staying active, and if you live near the Twin Cities, access to specialists is excellent.
Oregon
Oregon’s a great place if you’re into nature and want to stay moving. The climate can be damp, which bothers some, but overall, there’s good access to arthritis care. Cities like Portland offer wellness programs and a strong medical network. Plus, people here tend to live pretty health-conscious lives in general.
Washington
Washington has a lot of rain, but on the whole it’s pretty friendly to folks with arthritis. Big cities like Seattle have fantastic health care systems, and there are tons of outdoor activities to do if you like to stay active. The wet weather isn’t ideal, but the care and community support here makes up for it in the eyes of many.
Maine
Maine’s quiet lifestyle and strong local health care make it a pretty nice place to live if you suffer from arthritis. It gets cold, sure, but community support and easy access to care help a lot. Smaller towns also make getting around less of a hassle, which is a big win for anyone with more severe joint pain.
Delaware
Delaware flies under the radar when it comes to health care, but it’s got good hospitals and it doesn’t overwhelm you with traffic or long distances. Everything’s close by, and arthritis care is easy to find. Winters luckily aren’t too brutal. It’s definitely a good option if you have arthritis and are considering a move.
Vermont
People love Vermont for its small-town charm, but it also has surprisingly good health care access. Sure, the winters are no joke, but if you can tolerate them, on the other side you’ll find a community that supports healthy living. There are also good therapy services and a lot of focus on wellness.
North Carolina
North Carolina gives you decent weather and a good mix of urban and rural living. Cities like Charlotte and Raleigh have great health care networks, and the mild climate helps with joint stiffness. You’ll find plenty of places to walk, jog, and stay active.
Arkansas
Arkansas might not be on everyone’s radar healthcare-wise, but it’s doing a lot right when it comes to arthritis. It’s affordable, warmer than many states, and has growing resources for those in need. Rural areas can still be a challenge for many, but bigger towns have decent access to specialists and therapy.
Kentucky
Kentucky offers a slower pace and a low cost of living, but arthritis care can be a bit hit-or-miss in the rural areas. Cities like Louisville do much better, with decent access to specialists. The humidity and changing weather aren’t always joint-friendly, though, so be aware.
Montana
Montana’s clean air, peaceful pace, and access to nature make it pretty great for managing arthritis. In cities like Billings or Missoula, you’ll find friendly clinics and specialists ready to help. The fresh scenery and low stress lifestyle do wonders for overall well-being – except, for some, during the cold winters.
West Virginia
West Virginia is full of natural beauty, but that’s not all it has to offer. There’s growing access to quality arthritis care, especially in cities like Charleston and Morgantown. The cost of living is low, and the strong sense of community means you’re never far from support.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin might have cold winters, but it makes up for it with top-notch care and a wellness-focused community. Cities like Madison and Milwaukee offer excellent arthritis specialists, and there are tons of indoor fitness centers and community programs to help you stay moving. The cost of living in the state is reasonable, too.
Arizona
Arizona is a classic arthritis destination for good reason. That dry, warm desert air can be a game-changer for stiff joints. Phoenix and Tucson are packed with doctors, therapists, and active retiree communities. Downsides? The summer heat can be overwhelming, and healthcare costs are creeping up.
Georgia
Georgia’s warm weather and growing health care infrastructure make it a pretty good place to go if you’re living with arthritis. In cities like Atlanta, you’ll find plenty of rheumatologists, physical therapists, and wellness centers. The humidity may not be everyone’s friend, however.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire gives you good access to care through Dartmouth-Hitchcock and other regional networks, and smaller towns make it easy to get around. Winters can be rough, but indoor therapy centers and community wellness events help ease that.
Nebraska
Nebraska might surprise people - it’s fairly arthritis-friendly. Winters are cold, but some cities offer indoor gyms, therapy clinics, and wellness programs that keep you going year-round. Rural areas can be trickier, but the overall affordable cost of living and community support systems make it a good spot to manage arthritis.
Ohio
In the state of Ohio you’ll find good hospitals, rehab centers, and even wellness initiatives aimed at seniors or those with joint issues. Winters can be difficult, but indoor community centers make it easier to stay active during that time. Furthermore, the healthcare in the area is considered pretty cheap.
Iowa
Iowa is considered quietly comfortable for arthritis care. Major cities like Des Moines have good access to specialists and physical therapy, and the rural areas offer community clinics. And like Ohio, it’s considered good value for money as well.
Texas
Texas offers warm weather, especially in the south, and excellent health care in Houston, Dallas and Austin. There are plenty of specialists and wellness programs, and the sun helps ease joint stiffness. The only problem really is too much of that sun, which can be very hard on seniors.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is expensive, but it’s good when it comes to arthritis. It has world-class hospitals in Boston and Cambridge, where you get excellent access to specialists and cutting-edge treatments. As with some of the other states on this list, though, residents are known to suffer in the winter.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to great hospitals in Philly, Pittsburgh, and beyond. You’ll find lots of rheumatologists and therapy centers there. Plus, the terrain in the state is stroller- and walker-friendly. The only downside is the freezing winters.
Alaska
Alaska isn’t a lot of people’s first choice, but it offers quality care in larger hubs like Anchorage. The remoteness can be challenging, but community clinics, telemedicine, and supportive services make up for it. Winters are long and cold, though, and you’ll probably want to remain indoors a lot.
New Mexico
From one end of the climate spectrum to another. New Mexico’s dry climate and sunshine help a lot with arthritis, and Albuquerque and Santa Fe have a lot of good hospitals. Living costs are also lower than in many top states, making treatments more affordable. Some rural parts of the state could use better access, though.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s small size makes everything super convenient, including arthritis care. You don’t need to travel far to reach specialists or therapy clinics in Providence or Warwick. But as with so many of the states on this list, winters can really cripple people.
New Jersey
New Jersey isn’t anywhere near as good as New York when it comes to arthritis care, but it’s not bad. Cities like Newark and Jersey City bring access to rheumatologists and therapy services. If you can stay inside for the winter, it’s ideal.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s warm climate is good for people with arthritis, even during winter months. And Oklahoma City and Tulsa host a lot of specialist clinics and therapy centers. It’s more affordable than many places, too… it only falls down when it comes to the rural areas.
District of Columbia
Living in D.C. means good health care is never far away - this place is absolutely loaded with specialists and rehab services. The walkable neighborhoods are great for staying active, even if you have joint issues. And winters are mild and there are tons of wellness programs.
Kansas
Kansas is slowly getting better with arthritis care. There’s some great hospitals centered in Kansas City and Wichita with supportive physical therapy clinics. More and more older people are being drawn to the state now, especially since it has a low cost of living.
Missouri
Missouri has good healthcare around St. Louis and Kansas City. Rheumatologists, therapy programs, and wellness events are all on offer. It’s just the rural areas that suffer, they’re nowhere near as well served. And winters can be rough as well.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s healthcare is improving, especially in cities like Sioux Falls. Rural regions are still a bit limited in options, but telehealth and community clinics are slowly stepping up. Cold winters are a problem for those suffering with arthritis, though, and there’s nothing that can really be done about that.
Tennessee
Tennessee offers a mix of warm weather and good health care, particularly around Nashville and Memphis. You’ll find doctors, therapists, and even arthritis-support groups. Cost of living is reasonable, so managing treatment without breaking the bank is easier here. The only real issue is the bad humidity.
Colorado
Colorado’s high altitude and dry air can be surprisingly helpful for some arthritis sufferers. The top cities - Denver, Colorado Springs - have good healthcare access with specialists and physical therapy. There’s no getting around the fact that winters aren’t very nice, however.
Wyoming
Wyoming’s peaceful wide-open spaces are considered great for stress relief, and stress reduction helps with arthritis. But it’s remote - specialists are mostly in Casper and Cheyenne – and winters are harsh. It’s worth considering, but do a lot of research if you plan to move here.
Michigan
Michigan’s got strong health care around Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. You’ll find specialists and therapy centers there, plus community rec centers for joint-friendly exercise. But winters are harsh, and you’ll need to stay inside a lot during those months.
Indiana
Indiana delivers good care in cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, with accessible therapy options and specialist visits. It’s just outside of the cities that access isn’t so great. Plus, winters are freezing cold and hard for seniors, although indoor wellness spots help a little.
Hawaii
Aloha from some of the most arthritis-friendly weather around. Hawaii is warm and mild year-round, which really helps for arthritis sufferers. Good healthcare is available in Honolulu and other islands, though rural areas have fewer options. Just don’t forget that the cost of living is high.
Florida
Florida’s warmth is easy on sore joints, with plenty of specialists and therapy centers around Orlando, Miami, and Tampa. The humidity might be a bit much for some, but walking paths and wellness communities are all over the place.
North Dakota
North Dakota’s getting better on arthritis care, though the cold winters are intense and specialists are mainly in Fargo or Bismarck. Rural access is limited, but telehealth and community clinics help fill the gap… for the most part.
Alabama
Alabama offers warm weather and affordable living, but arthritis support is still catching up. Big cities like Birmingham and Montgomery have specialists and therapy, but rural parts have way less access. It’s an ongoing problem that officials are working on.
Idaho
Idaho’s growing fast, and arthritis care is only just starting to catch up. You’ll find good clinics and therapy options in the big cities, but little in the way of support in the rural areas. And winters can be absolutely awful for arthritis sufferers, as well.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s warm climate is easy on the joints, but arthritis care is limited outside major centers like Jackson. Rural residents often rely on community clinics and telehealth. The state is affordable, so that’s a point in its favor, but support structures are really still developing.
Nevada
Nevada’s dry heat is great for many with arthritis, especially in Las Vegas or Reno. It’s no wonder older people flock there. You’ll find specialists and fitness communities in the cities, but unfortunately very little in the way of support in the rural areas.
South Carolina
South Carolina has warm southern weather and many arthritis care centers, especially around Charleston and Columbia. There are big problems in the state though: rural areas are poorly served, and humidity can be a big concern.
Utah
Utah is very beautiful, so it might look appealing at first glance, but it’s not really the best place to manage arthritis. The dry climate helps some, but the high altitude can make joint pain worse for others, especially if you’re already sensitive to pressure changes. And access to specialists can be hit-or-miss, especially outside Salt Lake City.
