World Arthritis Day today

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. They encompass more than 100 diseases that affect the joints, the tissues surrounding the joints, and other connective tissue.

Pain and disability that accompany arthritis can be lessened through early diagnosis and appropriate management. World arthritis day falls on October 12 each year.

This day is dedicated to educating the general population, health care workers and policy makers regarding arthritis and its prevalence. It also highlights the disability and financial losses due to arthritis, available treatment options and future trends in management.

Arthritis means inflammation of joints which if untreated eventually leads to joint pain and damage. The joints in our body allow us to do our normal daily activities such as walking, standing, sitting, eating, talking, breathing and many other activities.

Patients suffering from arthritis are unable to do these activities either due to pain or their inability to move the necessary joints. Also life expectancy is shortened in some types of arthritis due to an increased risk of heart attacks. These two factors cause immense suffering to patients and their families.

Arthritis is not one disease but it is a blanket term used to describe over hundred of different joint diseases. The commonest type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which occurs due to degeneration of joints. The other common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis and gouty arthritis.

Arthritis is not a rare disorder. At least 240 million people all over the world are living with one of the most under rated curable diseases which is arthritis. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as most cases are undiagnosed. Current estimates suggest that 1 in 5 people will suffer from arthritis by 2020, 60% of affected patients will be in the working age group.

What are the symptoms of arthritis? The symptoms are pain in and around the joints. This can occur after periods of activity or alternatively after a period of resting especially on getting up in the morning. Other symptoms are joint stiffness, limited range of motion in one or more joints and redness and warmth around the affected joint. Some types of arthritis can also damage the heart, lung, kidneys and blood vessels.