World Arthritis Day
October 12, many voices will be heard on World Arthritis Day (WAD) — a day designed to raise global awareness about all facets of the disease. Through activities around the world, organizations and patient advocates will promote awareness of the symptoms connected to arthritis and highlight the importance of early diagnosis to gain access to the proper medical treatment as soon as possible.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disease but a collection of more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints, tissues around joints, and other connective tissues. The conditions are usually associated with joint stiffness, pain, and inflammation and are more commonly seen in adults.
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can affect one joint or multiple joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
However, contrary to what most people believe, arthritis is not just a disease seen in the elderly. Some types of arthritis can affect you at any age, starting from childhood. Fortunately, arthritis can be managed easily with proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
World Arthritis Day: Symptoms of Arthritis
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the most common symptoms of arthritis. Your range of motion may also decrease, and you may experience redness of the skin around the joint. Many people with arthritis notice their symptoms are worse in the morning.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions related to arthritis include gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Rheumatic conditions tend to involve pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.
World Arthritis Day: Treatment of Arthritis
Treatment for arthritis aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. A range of medications and lifestyle strategies can help achieve this and protect joints from further damage.
-medications
-non-pharmacologic therapies
-physical or occupational therapy
-splints or joint assistive aids
-patient education and support
-weight loss
-surgery, including joint replacement