Living with arthritis, a life with joint pain and discomfort, is a reality for millions. Arthritis is a condition that damages joints and nearby tissues. Debilitating pain and limitation in mobility due to arthritis makes it difficult for many to undertake even the most basic daily activities. Even though the disease is widespread, there is not much awareness about arthritis. World Arthritis Day is a step in this direction.
What is World Arthritis Day?
World Arthritis Day (WAD) is celebrated every year on the 12th of October with the purpose of highlighting and promoting discussions about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and their prevention and facilitating access to effective arthritis treatments.
The theme for World Arthritis Day 2024 is ‘Informed Choices, Better Outcomes’, which stresses on the importance of evidence-based information for individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases to take control and manage their health.
Importance of World Arthritis Day (WAD)
The Arthritis and Rheumatism International, a collective of organisations involved in awareness programmes for arthritis-related conditions, laid the foundation for World Arthritis Day in 1996. Since then, October 12th has been observed as World Arthritis Day. Here are some of the reasons why World Arthritis Day is celebrated:
To inform and educate the public about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory arthritis
To facilitate discussions about common and specific symptoms of arthritis, including joint aches and pains
To encourage accurate and timely diagnosis of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
To share tips on improving joint health and minimising the risk of arthritis
To raise awareness about ways to manage arthritis pain
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis, one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, refers to the inflammation, tenderness, or swelling in joints, or regions where two bones meet. This includes knees, shoulders, hands, feet and ankles, and hips.
Types of Arthritis
There are many types of arthritis. In fact, arthritis is not a single disease, but is a term used for more than 200 types of conditions damaging various joints in the human body. Some of the common types of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis due to prolonged wear and tear
Inflammatory arthritis due to an overactive immune system response. Common types include rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) and psoriatic arthritis
Viral arthritis due to an infection from viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV
Gout due to a build-up of excess of uric acid in the blood
Arthritis Treatments
There is no known cure for arthritis; however, there are numerous treatments available to manage pain and improve a patient’s quality of life:
NSAIDs are effective in reducing arthritis pain and inflammation. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are another type of medication that helps slow the progression of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids are another option prescribed for reducing inflammation.
Massages, heating pads, ice packs, and other techniques help increase blood flow, strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce stiffness.
Lifestyle modifications such as engaging in regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight help manage pain and maintain overall joint health.
Various types of surgeries may be effective for arthritis treatment, depending on the joints affected and the severity of bone damage. Joint arthroscopy, and joint replacement surgeries are some options that may be recommended to repair unstable or broken bones and replace degenerated joints with implants.
Innovative Treatments and Therapies
Medications, physical therapy, and surgeries, such as joint replacements, are effective arthritis treatment options. However, research and development are making way for innovative treatments for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Hyaluronic acid injections, which help lubricate joints and help reduce pain in cases of osteoarthritis
Genicular Artery Embolization, a minimally invasive procedure to block blood flow and minimise pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis of the knee.
Medications like methotrexate, an anti-inflammatory drug that suppresses the immune system, can help with pain management and reduce stiffness. It may be an effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Biologics and biosimilars- medications derived from living organisms, work as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and help bring down inflammation.
Newer, more promising arthritis treatments that are still under research include medications such as Mesenchymal stem cell therapy, a localised injection to reduce pain related to osteoarthritis of the knee and promote tissue repair.
Barriers to Arthritis Treatments
Unfortunately, misdiagnosis of arthritis is common due to the lack of arthritis specialists, ill-equipped hospitals, and lack of awareness among patients. It severely restricts access to widely recognised arthritis treatments and makes life difficult for those with the condition. As highlighted in the theme for World Arthritis Day 2024, ‘Informed Choices’ lead to ‘Better Outcomes’.
At Artemis Hospitals, a dedicated Joint Replacement & Orthopaedics Centre and a Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology speciality led by skilled orthopaedists facilitate arthritis treatments. Orthopaedists at our hospital have leading-edge, precision diagnostic tools and medical technology to provide timely and accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Self-care Tips to Manage Joint Pain Due to Arthritis
In addition to medical treatments, there are several self-care practices that can help patients manage joint pains and aches. These tips improve overall health and wellness and prevent arthritis pain from limiting individuals from living an active life. Here are some self-care tips you can try:
-Healthy Diet
A well-balanced diet helps maintain joint health. Choose food items like leafy greens, nuts, dairy, pulses, garlic, and oily fish.
-Healthy Body weight
Joints are fragile and excess body weight can put extra pressure on them, speeding up the damage. Maintain a healthy body weight, and you will see a marked reduction in arthritis pain.
-Exercise Therapy
Although it may sound counterintuitive, muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercises for 150 minutes a week can drastically ease stiffness and reduce pain.
-Quit Smoking
Smoking is linked to causing inflammation in the body, so quitting smoking is crucial.
Arthritis: A Case in Numbers
Over 528 million people live with osteoarthritis globally, with knee arthritis being the most prevalent type of arthritis with a global burden of around 365 million people in 2019. The same fact sheet notes that even though osteoarthritis affects around 73% of those above the age of 55, it is not always a consequence of ageing.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects 18 million people around the world (as of 2019).
India ranks second globally with around 62.36 million people with osteoarthritis, according to a study based on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease report.
As one of the most common joint diseases, Osteoarthritis has a prevalence rate of around 22 to 39% in India, according to a 2016 study published in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.
Approximately 1 billion people will live with osteoarthritis by 2050 (According to a research, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021)
Ways You Can Contribute to World Arthritis Day 2024
Every participation matters. There are numerous ways in which you can contribute to making World Arthritis Day 2024 a success:
Participate in activities organised for the World Arthritis Day
Learn about the rheumatoid and musculoskeletal conditions to understand its impact
Share prevention tips for arthritis and other related conditions in your community
Organise arthritis awareness day programmes
Make workspaces accessible for those with arthritis
Frequently Asked Questions
How does arthritis affect daily life?
Arthritis may affect the daily lives of people in various ways, including lingering joint pain, stiffness, restricted motion, fatigue, and other movement-related problems. This could lead to mental health-related problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, and depression.
Is arthritis a lifetime disease?
Unfortunately, yes. Arthritis is a chronic musculoskeletal condition that damages joints over the years. It can become a lifetime disease for many. There are a variety of modern arthritis treatments that help improve the quality of life for the patients.
What is the main cause of arthritis?
There are many reasons for arthritis, the most common one being general wear and tear due to long-term use of joints (osteoarthritis). Some of the other causes of arthritis are viral infections, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), and excess uric acid in the blood (gout).
How can I control my arthritis?
Whether you want to know how to manage knee pain at home or are wondering how to reduce shoulder pain, there are several things you can do to control arthritis, including taking your medications on time, maintaining a healthy weight, and leading an active lifestyle.
At what age does arthritis usually start?
There is no specific age at which arthritis begins. Osteoarthritis mostly affects individuals over 50 years. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, can develop in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60. And post-traumatic arthritis can develop at any age.
What food is good for arthritis?
Foods like berries, dark leafy greens, walnuts, fatty fish, and ginger are good for arthritis management.
Is milk good for arthritis?
There is no conclusive study that establishes a direct link between milk and arthritis. Milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D that helps slow the progression of conditions such as osteoarthritis and gout. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
How do I prevent arthritis?
There is no definite way of preventing arthritis, but there are several ways to reduce your risk. Engage in physical activities, maintain a healthy body weight, control your blood sugar levels, protect your joints, stay away from smoking, and eat a well-balanced diet.
What is the fastest way to relieve arthritis pain?
Heat therapies, such as heating pads and warm baths, and cold therapies, such as ice packs, are effective in immediately reducing pain and swelling. Medication is another quick solution that provides relief from arthritis pain. Always consult a doctor for reliable medical advice.
Do certain types of weather make arthritis worse?
Yes, humidity and temperature, along with barometric pressure, are widely considered to worsen arthritis-related pain and symptoms. But, there is no conclusive evidence to support the beliefs. Some people may find that their arthritis symptoms get worse during rainy, humid winters and intense summer weather.
Article By Dr. Ramkinkar Jha
Chief and Unit Head - Orthopaedics
Artemis Hospital