World Arthritis Day 

Arthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide, is one of the leading causes of pain, discomfort, and disability. Every year on October 12th, World Arthritis Day (WAD) aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with arthritis, increase public understanding, encourage early diagnosis, and advocate for better treatment and management.

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in older adults globally. In India, osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common rheumatologic issue, with prevalence rates ranging from 22 to 39%. Women are more prone to osteoarthritis than men.

World Arthritis Day 2024: What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is characterised by swelling and discomfort in one or more joints, derived from the Greek word "arthrus," meaning joint and inflammation. Arthritis mostly causes joint pain and stiffness, which worsens with age. The most prevalent kinds of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While there is no cure for arthritis, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving joint function. 

Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses over a hundred joint-related illnesses, primarily affecting the knees, hips, spine, and hands, though the shoulder can also be impacted.

Arthritis Caused by Injuries

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis occurs due to events like sports injuries or falls. In such cases, the injured joint may not heal properly, leading to cartilage deterioration over time. This can result in pain or stiffness, and in severe cases, bones may scrape against one another.

There is no definitive way to prevent post-traumatic arthritis after an accident, and about 40% of severe traumas result in osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis typically manifests around ten years after the initial injury.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Common arthritis symptoms include:

• Joint discomfort
• Stiffness
• Swelling and redness

• Decreased mobility

   

World Arthritis Day 2024: Key Details

• Date: October 12, 2024
• Theme: Informed Choices, Better Outcomes

This year's theme emphasizes the importance of clear information access in today’s fast-paced digital world. For those living with rheumatic and muscle-related diseases (RMDs), the goal is to help them make informed decisions with healthcare providers, leading to better health and quality of life.

Themes of Past World Arthritis Days:

• 2024: Informed Choices, Better Outcomes
• 2023: Living with an RMD at All Stages of Life
• 2022: It’s in Your Hands; Take Action
• 2021: Don’t Delay, Connect Today: Time2Work
• 2020: Time2Work
• 2019: Time to Work: Don’t Delay, Connect Today!

• 2018: It’s in Your Hands; Take Action

   

History of World Arthritis Day

World Arthritis Day was founded by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI), with the first event on October 12, 1996. Since then, global communities, including the Arthritis Foundation, have worked to raise awareness, close the information gap, and support those affected by arthritis. These efforts include advocating for stronger policies, providing community support, and funding research.

Arthritis Prevention Tips

While arthritis cannot be entirely prevented, certain precautions can reduce the risk. Early diagnosis and treatment can protect joint structures from further damage. Other strategies include:

• Weight management and exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise such as yoga and a proper diet can help. Strengthening muscles around joints and ensuring adequate calcium intake can reduce pain, improve function, and delay disability.
• Hormone therapy and supplements: Women going through menopause should consult their doctors about hormone replacement therapy and calcium supplements.
• Avoiding joint injury: Preventing joint injuries and taking precautions to avoid excessive strain can protect against arthritis.
• Lifestyle changes: Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can help prevent joint problems. A lack of vitamin D and calcium are also risk factors, so consulting with a doctor about supplements may be beneficial.

To manage your arthritis, consult a physiotherapist today.

Importance of World Arthritis Day

World Arthritis Day serves several vital functions:

• Raising awareness: Increases public knowledge of arthritis, its symptoms, and its long-term effects, encouraging early detection and treatment.
• Promoting early diagnosis: Early identification leads to more effective care and prevents joint damage.
• Highlighting global impact: Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, significantly reducing their quality of life.
• Advocating for research: Calls for more funding and innovation in arthritis treatments, therapies, and cures.
• Empowering patients: Provides essential information on self-care and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms better.
• Supporting policy change: Works to improve healthcare policies, ensuring better access to treatments and support services.

• Building community support: Connects patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to share experiences and offer mutual support.

   

Global Impact of Arthritis

Arthritis affects around 350 million people globally, making it one of the most common causes of disability. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that musculoskeletal disorders, including arthritis, account for 25% of all years lived with disability worldwide. In some countries, arthritis is a leading cause of job-related disability, resulting in significant economic losses.

The number of arthritis cases is expected to rise in 2024 due to ageing populations, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity. For rheumatoid arthritis, factors like genetics, smoking, and environmental conditions contribute to its prevalence. This growing trend underscores the importance of raising awareness and promoting early management to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

Arthritis symptoms vary by type but generally include:

• Joint pain and stiffness: Often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling: Inflammation in the joints.
• Reduced range of motion: Stiffness restricting joint movement.
• Redness and warmth: Common in inflammatory conditions like RA and gout.

Diagnosis involves clinical assessments, imaging (X-rays or MRIs), and lab tests for markers of autoimmune conditions or uric acid levels. Early diagnosis is critical for managing arthritis, especially in inflammatory types like RA.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle

While there is no cure for arthritis, lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. Key strategies include:

• Anti-inflammatory diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish, flaxseeds) and antioxidants (e.g., berries, leafy greens) can help reduce inflammation.

Discover how your diet can improve arthritic symptoms with a dietitian consultation.

• Exercise: Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and yoga enhance joint mobility and reduce stiffness. It's essential to balance activity with rest, as overusing joints can exacerbate symptoms.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can worsen arthritis symptoms. Mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are effective ways to reduce stress.

Reflecting on World Arthritis Day 2024

World Arthritis Day 2024 is an opportunity to raise awareness, educate the public, and empower those with arthritis. While arthritis can have a substantial impact on quality of life, advances in medication, early diagnosis, and lifestyle adjustments provide promise for more successful disease management. By raising awareness and campaigning for improved healthcare access, we can ensure that people with arthritis have the assistance they require to live active and fulfilling lives.

Book your physiotherapy session today.

FAQs

1. What is World Arthritis Day about?

Every year on October 12th, World Arthritis Day is celebrated to promote awareness of arthritis and its effects on individuals and society. The day's goal is to promote early diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved support for arthritis patients.

2. Why is World Arthritis Day important?

It is significant because it raises awareness about the various varieties of arthritis, stimulates early detection, promotes research and innovation in therapies, and campaigns for better healthcare policy and support for arthritis patients globally.

3. What exactly is arthritis?

Arthritis is a word used to describe approximately 100 different joint disorders that cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most frequent forms.

4. Can you treat arthritis?

Although there is no cure for arthritis, early detection and adequate therapy can help control symptoms, reduce disease progression, and improve quality of life.

5. Can making lifestyle adjustments and modifications assist with arthritis?

Yes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, weight control, and stress reduction can help manage arthritis symptoms and improve joint function.