World Arthritis Day 2022: �It's in Your Hands, Take Action'

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Highlights:

• World Arthritis Day seeks to increase awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal illnesses
• This year's goal is to motivate people with arthritis to take advantage of every opportunity to act and enhance their quality of life

World Arthritis Day (WAD) is an annual awareness event that takes place on October 12. The day helps raise awareness in all people across the world of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, also known as RMDs.

Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) founded World Arthritis Day in 1996 (1^✔). RMDs, of which there are more than 200, have crippling consequences that are rarely understood, but their impacts are felt widely and subtly.

‘The celebration of World Arthritis Day (WAD) marks the importance of early diagnosis and the importance of treating arthritis.’

How is World Arthritis Day Celebrated

Through events and initiatives, doctors and well-wishers aim to increase awareness. There are discussions about the signs and symptoms of arthritis and the value of early detection. Additionally, patients are informed on how to get the right medical care. Patients can lead comfortable lives with timely medical intervention.

Theme for World Arthritis Day in 2022

The World Arthritis Day 2022 theme is �It's in your hands, take action'. The goal of the topic is to increase public awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders (RMDs) and to inspire RMD patients, their caregivers, families, and the public to take advantage of every chance to act and improve the quality of life for those who live with RMDs (2^✔) .

Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease Patients

Many people with RMD remain untreated. An estimated 100 million people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and are attempting to manage their symptoms (3^✔). Diseases that influence people's quality of life and ability to participate in society, particularly access to the workforce, affect a significant portion of the global population. The inability to work lowers a person's self-esteem and increases their reliance on public assistance, the healthcare system, and their family and friends. As a result, people with RMDs are unaware of their symptoms, avenues for diagnosis and treatment, and how to create and carry out a career plan to become independent.

Health Professionals in Rheumatology (HPR)

A family doctor is typically the first person people turn to for assistance in the healthcare system when they have unpleasant symptoms. However, healthcare systems are frequently ill-prepared to offer RMD patients the diagnosis, access, care, and treatment they require. Very little RMD education is imparted in medical school, which implies that symptoms are frequently mistakenly missed, incorrectly diagnosed, or improperly treated. The fact that there aren't many rheumatology specialists further complicates the matter. People who do not have access to rheumatologists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, or anyone with training in the field of RMD are clearly at a disadvantage in their daily lives.

What is Arthritis

The Greek terms "arthro," which means "joint," and "itis," which means "inflammation," are the origin of the word "arthritis." Inflammation of the joints is a symptom of arthritis. Any living organism with bones is susceptible to arthritis.

Pain and stiffness in the joints are typical symptoms. Redness, warmth, swelling and a reduced range of motion in the afflicted joints are possible additional symptoms. Other bodily organs may also be impacted by some kinds of arthritis.

In the modern world, there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, are the most prevalent types. Age-related osteoarthritis typically affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition that frequently impacts the hands and feet. Gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, and septic arthritis are other forms. They are all rheumatic illness subtypes.

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, but regular exercise and losing weight might lessen their effects. In addition to physical therapy, there are medications available that work to lessen rather than eliminate the discomfort caused by the ailment.

Many people link arthritis to older people and the health issues that impact them. This is mostly true because statistical data indicates that people over 65 are the main victims. However, 30% of all patients are under 65, with some being teenagers and, albeit infrequently, babies.

Research on Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Illnesses

The results of research on RMD remedies developed in recent decades are encouraging. Effective medications, care delivery strategies, physical therapy, nutrition, and psychological support are all accessible. However, these discoveries are hardly known outside of the rheumatology community. Public funding for rheumatology-related research is still scarce. One of the many co-morbidities that people with an RMD face is cancer, which, like an RMD, has its origins in inflammatory processes in the body. All citizens will benefit from an improved study on RMDs and their function in creating inflammatory responses in the body, which will also assist in lessening the effects of other illnesses like cancer. All societal systems-and all people-will benefit from increasing levels of scientific study, which will produce great amounts of data and evidence and continually improve medications for the management of RMDs.

Three Things to Remember this World Arthritis Day

• Raise Awareness

  Learn about the effects of arthritis on individuals and how you may assist those sufferering from it. Commit to assisting a person with arthritis whenever you can.

• Self-care is Important

  Even though arthritis cannot be cured, it can be managed with regular exercise and a healthy diet. If you suffer from arthritis, on World Arthritis Day, commit to looking after your health.

• Prepare Yourself

  To determine if you are at risk for osteoarthritis, visit a doctor. You will receive early diagnosis and treatment.

References:

1. World Arthritis Day 2022 - (https:www.gov.za/WorldArthritisDay2022)
2. World Arthritis Day 2022: History, Significance and Theme - (https:www.merazone.com/2022/09/world-arthritis-day-2022-history.html)
3. World Arthritis Day: 12 October - (https:www.eular.org/world_arthritis_day.cfm)

Source: Medindia

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