World Arthritis Day observed on 12 October
World Arthritis Day is celebrated every year on 12 October. The theme of World Arthritis Day 2022 is 'It's in your hands, take action'. Its purpose is to reduce the increased risk of arthritis and to make people aware of it. World Arthritis Day was established in the year 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI).
Arthritis is a problem related to the joints. In this disease, there is pain in the joints of the person, and swelling in them is also there. Arthritis can affect any one joint or more than one joint in the body.
Although there are many types of arthritis, but in general, two types of arthritis are seen more. There are two types of arthritis – Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
World Arthritis Day observed on 12 October
World Arthritis Day is a global awareness day that is celebrated every year on October 12. The day aims to raise awareness of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), which are inflammatory joint disorders that cause pain and stiffness. The day also educates people about the symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment options for RMDs.
RMDs are a group of more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Some of the most common types of RMDs are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. RMDs can affect any joint in the body but commonly occur in the weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips. RMDs can also affect other organs and tissues, such as the skin, eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RMDs are among the leading causes of disability and reduced quality of life worldwide. RMDs can have a significant impact on one's physical, mental, social, and economic well-being. RMDs can limit one's ability to work, study, perform daily activities, and participate in social and recreational activities. RMDs can also increase the risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and depression.
The theme of World Arthritis Day 2022 is "Don't delay, connect today: Time2work". The theme emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and timely access to care for people with RMDs. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or delay joint damage, reduce pain and inflammation, improve function and mobility, and enhance the quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can also help people with RMDs to stay at work or return to work after a period of absence.
World Arthritis Day is an initiative of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR), which is a network of patient organizations, health professionals, and scientific societies dedicated to improving the lives of people with RMDs. EULAR organizes various activities and campaigns throughout the year to promote awareness, advocacy, research, education, and support for people with RMDs.
On World Arthritis Day, people around the world are encouraged to join in to make their voices heard against RMDs. People can participate in various ways, such as:
- Sharing their stories and experiences with RMDs on social media using the hashtag #WorldArthritisDay
- Signing the EULAR PARE Time2Work pledge to support people with RMDs in work
- Joining or organizing local events and activities to raise awareness and funds for RMDs
- Wearing blue or purple clothing or accessories to show solidarity with people with RMDs
- Learning more about RMDs and how to prevent, manage, or treat them
World Arthritis Day is an opportunity to recognize the challenges and achievements of people with RMDs and to call for more action and support from governments, health systems, employers, and society at large. By working together, we can create a better world for people with RMDs.
