October 12 is World Arthritis Day

 

 

Arthritis is not one single disease. It is a group of musculoskeletal conditions that damage joints. The word “arthritis” derives from two Greek words that mean “joint”  “inflammation.” The most frequent symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness around a joint. Arthritis typically increases with age.

 

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint and cushions movement breaks down. It is a degenerative disease, and is the fourth largest cause of disability world-wide.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disease. The body attacks the linings of its own joint capsules. Diseases such as lupus and psoriasis can cause arthritis in addition to affecting other organs and tissues. Septic arthritis is caused by an infection that impacts joints. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis in which sharp uric acid crystals build up inside joints, especially the big toe.

 

Treatments for arthritis will depend on its cause. There is no cure for arthritis, so the goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms, especially pain, and thus to improve quality of life. Types of treatment include lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy weight, quitting smoking, staying active), physical therapy (e.g., specific exercises and stretching), and medications (e.g., corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). Sometimes surgery is used to fuse or replace arthritic joints.

 

World Arthritis Day is held every October 12. The aims of World Arthritis Day are to:

• Raise public awareness of arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

• Influence public policy makers to be aware of the health and economic burdens of arthritis and other joint diseases, and what can be done to ease this burden

• Offer support to persons with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and their caregivers

• Promote research related to arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

 

The theme of World Arthritis Day 2025 is “Power of Dreams.” This speaks to the hopes and vision of persons living with arthritis.