World Arthritis Day: Raising Awareness About Arthritis and Its Impact

Verified by Dr Prashant Agrawal- Sr. Consultant Orthopaedics & Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai

World Arthritis Day is an important occasion to raise awareness about arthritis, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Arthritis is a group of several diseases that cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and disability. By observing this day, we aim to educate the public about the impact of arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement. It encompasses a group of diseases, with the two most common forms being:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative joint disease where the cartilage between joints wears away, causing pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to inflammation and potential joint deformity.

Symptoms to Watch For

It’s essential to recognize early signs of arthritis to prevent further damage:

• Joint pain, tenderness, and swelling 
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.  
• Reduced range of motion in the affected joints.  
• In rheumatoid arthritis, additional symptoms include fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.

Who is at Risk?  

Arthritis can affect anyone, but some groups are more susceptible:

• Older adults: Osteoarthritis is more common as we age. 
• Women: Women are more likely to develop autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as RA.  
• Family history: Genetics can increase the likelihood of developing certain types of arthritis.  
• Previous injuries: Trauma or injuries to the joints can predispose individuals to arthritis later in life.

Causes of Arthritis

• Degenerative: Conditions like osteoarthritis where the joint wears out.  
• Traumatic: Secondary to fractures or injuries around the joint.  
• Inflammatory: Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.  
• Infective: Bacterial or tubercular infections affecting the joints.
• Neoplastic: Malignancies affecting the joints.  
• Metabolic Conditions like gout, where excess uric acid forms crystals in the joints.  

Prevention and Management  

While not all forms of arthritis can be prevented, some steps can help reduce the risk and manage the condition:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces strain on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.  
• Exercise regularly: Walking is one of the best exercises to reduce stiffness and improve joint health. Physical activity also strengthens muscles around the joints and enhances flexibility.  
• Early diagnosis and treatment: Early intervention with medications and therapy can prevent joint damage and improve quality of life.  
• Treat co-morbidities: Managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can reduce complications and improve overall health outcomes.  
• Joint protection: Using proper techniques during physical activities can prevent joint injury.

Why World Arthritis Day Matters? 

World Arthritis Day is crucial for raising awareness of the physical, emotional, and social impact of arthritis. The condition can severely limit one’s ability to perform daily tasks, affecting not only the person but also their family and caregivers. By promoting early diagnosis, effective treatment, and lifestyle changes, we can help people live more active and fulfilling lives, even with arthritis. Additionally, managing co-morbid conditions like diabetes and hypertension plays a vital role in preventing complications and improving overall well-being.

Let’s work together to spread awareness and encourage action, so those living with arthritis can enjoy a better quality of life.

Connect with our expert, Dr Prashant Agrawal- Sr. Consultant Orthopaedics & Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment