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. 

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:

Medications

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.

Therapies

Massages, heating pads, ice packs, and other techniques help increase blood flow, strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce stiffness. 

Lifestyle changes

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.

Surgery

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.

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.