World Arthritis Day 2023: Empowering Lives and Raising Awareness

Today is World Arthritis Day, celebrated every year to raise global awareness about the plurality of arthritis. The theme for World Arthritis Day 2023 is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Hope,” emphasizing the importance of support, education, and hope for individuals living with arthritis. The day is designed to promote early diagnosis, improve access to healthcare, and reduce stigma. Doctors and well-wishers try to raise awareness through activities and awareness campaigns. Discussions are held regarding the symptoms connected to arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis. Patients are also told of the ways to gain access to proper medical treatment. With timely medical intervention, patients can lead a comfortable life.

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The most common symptoms include pain and stiffness in joints. Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but the most common symptoms in the initial stages are joint pain, knee or hip pain, swelling, redness in the joints, tenderness in joints, loss of appetite, and fever. Arthritis is caused by various reasons such as wear and tear of cartilage in joints, metabolic abnormalities, infection (bacterial or viral), autoimmune disease, and injury. The risk factors include family history, obesity, age (increases with age), and gender (women are more likely to develop arthritis). If arthritis is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as joint damage, widespread inflammation that can spread to other parts of the body like lungs, heart, and eyes, and cardiovascular damage.

The history of World Arthritis Day dates back to 1996 when Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) established it as a global initiative. The day was brought about by the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is derived from the Greek words ‘arthro,’ meaning ‘joint,’ and ‘itis,’ meaning ‘inflammation.’ Arthritis is a condition involving inflammation of the joints. It can affect any living thing that has bones. Evidence shows that ankle arthritis was present in dinosaurs and that it has been present in humans for at least as far back as 4500 B.C.! In fact, it was one of the most common afflictions of prehistoric peoples. It was first closely examined and classified in William Musgrave’s work “De Arthritide Symptomatica,” written in 1715.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, about 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis, which is an increase of 113% since 1990. About 73% of people with osteoarthritis are older than 55, and 60% are female. With a prevalence of 365 million, the knee is the most frequently affected joint, followed by the hip and the hand. In 2019, 18 million people worldwide were living with rheumatoid arthritis. Approximately one percent of the world population lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with at least twice as many women affected as men. The World Health Organization estimates more than 23 million people live with RA.

According to a study conducted in Tsarang, Mustang district of Nepal, the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is high among Tibetan highlanders living in the region. Norvic Hospital in Kathmandu revealed that nearly one million Nepalis suffer from rheumatic arthritis. The National Center for Rheumatic Diseases (NCRD) in Nepal offers diagnostic facilities and treatment for rheumatism and related diseases and conditions. Awareness rallies about arthritis are held every year in Nepal to mark the day and spread knowledge among the people.

Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The therapy focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Various medications are also available for arthritis. In addition, physical therapy can be used to improve muscle strength around joints. A healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables, starchy foods, high protein content food, milk and dairy products, olive oil, and fish can help reduce risk factors for arthritis. Rheumatologists specialize in treating arthritis, autoimmune diseases, pain disorders affecting joints, and osteoporosis.

There are several herbs that are believed to help relieve arthritis symptoms. However, it is important to note that these remedies are not scientifically proven and should be used with caution. Here are some of the herbs that are believed to help with arthritis:

• Ashwagandha: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce arthritis-related pain and stiffness. It also helps in strengthening the muscles around the joints.
• Boswellia: Practitioners of traditional and alternative medicine may use Boswellia serrata, also called frankincense, for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s derived from the gum of Boswellia trees.
• Cat’s Claw: Cat’s claw is another anti-inflammatory herb that may reduce swelling in arthritis. It comes from the bark and root of a tropical vine that grows in South and Central America.
• Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) pain.
• Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
• Green Tea: Green tea contains polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with RA or OA pain.
• Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.