World Arthritis Day 2022: Know Everything About Arthritis
World Arthritis Day (WAD) is marked on the 12th of October every year, and this is a worldwide initiative to bring people together to raise awareness and educate them about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).
The year theme for World Arthritis Day, 2022 is “Injuries may lead to arthritis.”
People suffering from rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders from all over the world get together to mark World Arthritis Day in order to raise public awareness about this disorder.
Let’s join together for a healthy joint!
Arthritis is a significant cause of disability in older people globally. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most familiar rheumatologic problem and common joint disease, having a prevalence of 22% to 39% in India. Women are more vulnerable to OA than men.
The common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis, gout, lupus, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis are redness, joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Arthritis often affects older adults over 65, but it can also affect men, women, and children of any age.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a severe medical condition that causes swelling, tenderness, and inflammation in one or more joints. The primary arthritis symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. There’s no cure for arthritis; the treatment for arthritis aims to reduce symptoms and enhance joint functionality.
Arthritis is a wide word for over a hundred joint-related disorders. Knees, hips, spine and hands other than the shoulders are the most commonly affected joints. The disease is associated with risk factors such as lack of exercise, obesity, genetic factors, bone density, trauma, occupational injury, and gender. With timely medical intervention, patients can lead comfortable lives.
Arthritis Caused by Injuries
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is arthritis caused by an injury and can be caused by sports injuries or frequent falls. During the process, the injured joint may not heal properly, and the cartilage in the joint deteriorates over time. This can cause pain or stiffness and, in severe cases, bone degradation to the point that bones scrape against each other.
There is no clear way to prevent post-traumatic arthritis after an injury, and about 40% of severe traumas result in osteoarthritis. This arthritis usually manifests itself roughly ten years after the first injury.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The most frequent arthritis symptoms are:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased mobility
Prevention tips for Arthritis
Is it possible to prevent arthritis? There's no definite way to prevent arthritis. However, we take certain steps or precautions to prevent the condition. Here are some of the arthritis prevention ways:
- Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce joint damage.
- Maintain an ideal body weight by eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
- In addition to old age, low vitamin D and calcium levels can lead to osteoarthritis. So, take mineral supplements under the supervision of a doctor.
- Regular exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around joints and increase calcium deposition in the bones. Physical activity alleviates pain, enhances function, and postpones impairment.
- Women who have reached menopause should consult with their doctor about hormone replacement treatment and calcium supplements.
- Keep the joints safe from injuries.
- Avoid drinking and smoking, as these can damage the bones, muscles, and joints.
Being diagnosed with arthritis can pose life challenges for some people. But keep in mind that, while this disorder cannot be avoided, early detection and precautions can limit damage to your joints, bones, and tissues. With the right treatment and care, one can live a happy and healthy life.
Follow arthritis prevention tips, Be pain free!
Get your consultation done with our expert Orthopedic Doctors!
Conclusion
Knee pain is a common ailment that affects over 18 million adults each year. Performing stretching and strengthening exercises that target the muscles that support your knees may help ease pain, improve range of motion and flexibility, and reduce the risk of future injuries. With any type of joint pain, it’s best to talk to your doctor or physical therapist before starting an exercise program. They can help you select the exercises that are safest for you. They can also recommend modifications based on your knee pain and the underlying cause.
