Arthritis is not just for the old: Introducing the disease of joint pain better

It is not at all pleasant to wake up every day with severe leg pain or stiffness in joints, but people suffering from Arthritis have to worry about this every day. World Arthritis Day also known as WAD, is a global awareness day on Arthritis celebrated each year on the 12th of October. This year too, the aim to celebrate this day was to spread awareness amongst audiences of all age groups across the world about the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, also referred to as RMDs.

It is considered extremely crucial to educate people about the impact of these diseases on one's life, symptoms and various preventive measures. This day focuses on bringing people on a single platform and creating awareness and helping and supporting those in need. The theme for World Arthritis Day 2022 was “It's in your hands, take action”. It aimed at encouraging people with Arthritis, their caregivers and families to fight the disease and not be ashamed of it and support those who are deprived of it.

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder of the joints which affects joint and connective tissues causing joint pain and stiffness. This condition has crippled so many lives and has more than 100 types. It is a misconception that it affects only those in older age groups.

Some of the initial signs and symptoms of arthritis include-

Joint pain
Swelling up of joints
Redness in joints
Stiffness
Decreased range of motion

These symptoms and condition can be ultimately managed but requires a lot of effort and care. Since there are no specific treatments for this condition and everything depends on the time of condition you are diagnosed with, it is very important to understand the signs and symptoms, to get early treatment and avail a proper diagnosis.

Some self-care tips one can include in their daily lives to manage joint pains caused by Arthritis-

Eating a well-balanced healthy diet and more fibre-rich food.
Giving priority to calcium and vitamin D intake
Maintaining your ideal weight, as being overweight stresses the joints
Exercising for at least 30 minutes daily
Giving up smoking
Engaging in yoga and meditation to relax muscles

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), gout and juvenile arthritis are less common and can be more challenging to diagnose. A bacterial, viral or fungal infection triggers infectious arthritis. A lot of us may be prone to Osteoarthritis which usually is caused by some of our most common activities today:

Obesity
Sedentary Lifestyle
Sit-down or desk jobs
Poor posture during work
Being extra active at the gym and at sport
Strenuous work activities
Diabetes

Ignoring the pains for a long may not be a helpful thing to do for longer-term well-being. Any discomfort for a prolonged period must be shown to a doctor - there are ways to get better and get on with one's life sooner. Our best to your health!!