World Arthritis Day: Don't Delay; Stay Connected

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Highlights:

• World Arthritis Day held every year on the October 12 is an initiative to raise awareness about the disease.
• The theme for 2017 is 'Don't Delay, Connect Today' which focuses on the early diagnosis of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
• Early diagnosis is the key to prevent further damage as arthritis can affect the daily activities and affect physical abilities.

World arthritis day is an annual event held on October 12^th to raise awareness about the disease. The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) started the day to promote activities that can raise awareness about the diseases that affect the bones and the muscles.

Arthritis, which means joint inflammation affects more than 50 million adults but more than half of those affected are diagnosed by a doctor rather than after a self-imported investigation for the disease.

‘World arthritis day is a global awareness day initiated to encourage early diagnosis of arthritis, to prevent further damage and to provide timely access to treatment.’

Delayed diagnosis can lead to impairment of daily activities. Arthritis, the inflammation in joints is indicated by stiffness, swelling, redness or warmth in the joints and can affect mobility.

Two-thirds of adults in the U.S. with arthritis are between 18-64 years. Diagnosing the disease before old age can help prevent serious outcomes.

Types of Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis including:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: RA is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints and the surrounding tissues. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Infection, genes and hormonal changes may be linked to the disease. RA leads to pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but is more common in middle age.
• Reiter's syndrome: This is an auto immune condition and is also known as �reactive arthritis'. The arthritic inflammation in this condition is usually the result of an infection affecting another body part. Inflammation of the joints, urinary tract, and eyes are the three distinct characteristics of reactive arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders and occurs as we age due to wear and tear of a joint. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joints is broken down. Healthy cartilage absorbs the shock of movement and prevents friction between bones; when this cartilage is lost, the bones rub together during movement. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body but it usually affects the weight-bearing joints i.e. hips and knees.
• Psoriatic Arthritis can occur in people who have scaly red and white skin patches in the body. It affects areas where the tissue is attached to the bone.
• Gout is also a type of arthritis caused by the build up of uric acid crystals in the joints especially in the toes.
• Juvenile arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs in children and the age of diagnosis ranges from time of birth to 16 years of age.The inheritance of specific genes is believed to increase the risk of arthritis in children.

Symptoms of Arthritis

• Swelling in the joints due to inflammation
• Stiffness, redness, and/or warmth of the joints
• Persistent pain in the muscles and joints
• Tenderness
• Tiredness, weakness, extreme fatigue, lack of energy,
• Restricted range in movement or flexibility
• Deformed joints
• Depression and anxiety

Don't Delay; Stay Connected

The theme focuses on the importance of timely diagnosis. As the disease progresses, it can impair mobility due to pain and can affect the quality of life. As part of the events for the day, EULAR campaign engages patient organizations, health professional associations and scientific communities.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, prevention of further damage to those already with musculoskeletal diseases and to encourage access to timely treatment.

Facts on Arthritis

• One in 5 people over the age of 18 are diagnosed with arthritis.
• Almost 300,000 babies and children have rheumatic arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis is the most common type which affects 31 million Americans.
• More than 78 million are estimated to be diagnosed with arthritis by 2040.
• Every year, people with arthritis end up with lost wages due to injury or illness.
• Arthritis can affect a person's mental health as well. One third of those aged 45 or older can have anxiety or depression.
• Arthritis is not an old people's disease. Two-thirds of people with some form of arthritis are under age 65.

Reference:

1. RMD facts - (https:www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis#b)
2. Arthritis - (http://www.worldarthritisday.org/facts/rmd-facts)

Source: Medindia

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