Indigenous communities in Australia (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), New Zealand (Māori), Canada (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and the United States of America (Alaskan Native and American Indian) experience high rates of obesity and smoking, along with low levels of physical activity. Because of this, there are high levels of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease in these communities [4-6]. By the age of 35, more than half of all Indigenous people experience at least one chronic disease [6]. Lifestyle factors that are linked to these chronic conditions also place Indigenous people at a high risk of developing osteoarthritis.  In Australia, Indigenous people are one-and-a-half times more likely to have osteoarthritis, when compared to the rest of the population [7]. Canadian First Nations are twice as likely to experience osteoarthritis compared to non-First nations [8]. In the United States, American Indians experience higher rates of this condition than any other group in the country [9]. Despite this, Indigenous people around the world seek care for joint pain at lower levels than non-Indigenous people. For example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people visit general practitioners and undergo total joint replacement at half the rate expected based on the number of people living with osteoarthritis [5, 10]. Without appropriate health care, osteoarthritis can make participation in work, sport, family and cultural engagements more difficult and this can have significant impact on emotional wellbeing. Having healthy joints means that people can move more freely along a pathway to improved health and wellbeing.

Indigenous communities in Australia (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), New Zealand (Māori), Canada (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and the United States of America (Alaskan Native and American Indian) experience high rates of obesity and smoking, along with low levels of physical activity. Because of this, there are high levels of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease in these communities [4-6]. By the age of 35, more than half of all Indigenous people experience at least one chronic disease [6]. Lifestyle factors that are linked to these chronic conditions also place Indigenous people at a high risk of developing osteoarthritis.  In Australia, Indigenous people are one-and-a-half times more likely to have osteoarthritis, when compared to the rest of the population [7]. Canadian First Nations are twice as likely to experience osteoarthritis compared to non-First nations [8]. In the United States, American Indians experience higher rates of this condition than any other group in the country [9]. Despite this, Indigenous people around the world seek care for joint pain at lower levels than non-Indigenous people. For example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people visit general practitioners and undergo total joint replacement at half the rate expected based on the number of people living with osteoarthritis [5, 10]. Without appropriate health care, osteoarthritis can make participation in work, sport, family and cultural engagements more difficult and this can have significant impact on emotional wellbeing. Having healthy joints means that people can move more freely along a pathway to improved health and wellbeing.

Osteoarthritis is an unmet health need for Indigenous people [11].  Until now, health care providers, researchers and policymakers have focused most of their attention on conditions that directly contribute to ‘the gap’ in life expectancy for Indigenous people. Focusing on areas such as diabetes, heart disease and childhood health is certainly important. However, as the leading cause of mobility limitation, osteoarthritis contributes indirectly to life expectancy [12]. Pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis can make it harder to exercise, which makes it difficult to manage other chronic conditions. Because of this, we can view osteoarthritis as a central piece of the chronic disease puzzle, which must be addressed if we are to eliminate inequalities in life expectancy. Treating osteoarthritis as a priority can help Indigenous people live longer lives, free from pain and disability.