World Arthritis Day was initiated in the year 1996 by Arthritis And Rheumatism International (ARI) and is observed every year since then on October 12. The chief objective is to promote global awareness about RMDs (Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases) and educate people on how early diagnosis and subsequent treatment can vastly alleviate pain symptoms and improve the quality of life for the affected patients.

World Arthritis Day 2024 Theme 

The theme for World Arthritis Day 2024 is "Informed Choices, Better Outcomes". This theme highlights the essential role of access to accurate, up-to-date information for individuals with arthritis and RMDs. By equipping patients with reliable knowledge, the theme emphasizes how informed decisions about treatment, lifestyle changes, and self-management can lead to better long-term health outcomes.

World Arthritis Day 2024 Significance

The significance of this year’s theme lies in empowering people with arthritis to take control of their health journey. Making informed choices can reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further joint damage, leading to enhanced quality of life. World Arthritis Day 2024 also emphasizes the need for healthcare systems, providers, and caregivers to ensure that patients have access to the right information, promoting a shared decision-making process between patients and healthcare professionals.

Arthritis refers to a debilitating condition characterized by inflammation of the joints in the body, such as the shoulders, elbows, knees and hips. There are many types of RMDs, with the most common being osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Currently, nearly 350 million people worldwide suffer from arthritis and it is a global epidemic, affecting children, young adults and the elderly.
Also Read: Juvenile Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Arthritis can arise due to hereditary factors, ageing and being overweight. The symptoms of arthritis consist of swollen joints, decreased range of motion in muscles and extreme rigidity of arms and legs, particularly after prolonged periods of rest, such as being seated at work for long hours on end.
Also Read: Stiff From Sitting? Arthritis At The Workplace

The best way to keep the agonizing signs of arthritis under control is to seek prompt medical assistance upon experiencing any kind of joint pain post the age of 30, get diagnosed accurately and undergo appropriate treatment and medication. This, coupled with incorporating fit and positive lifestyle practices, will certainly prevent serious bone and joint damage and help patients recover well and regain flexible muscle function.

Basic Guidelines To Reduce Pain In Joints And Improve Bone Health:

Healthy Diet And Lifestyle

A well-balanced diet, comprising ample amounts of anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables, berries, ginger, nuts, legumes and fibres will work wonders to mitigate pain in the joints and keep body weight in check. Also keep in mind to steer clear of fried snacks, processed foods, excessive sugar and salt intake, smoking and alcohol, to reduce tenderness in joints.

Regular Exercise

Merely 15 minutes of physical activity every day will improve the range of motion in muscles. Moreover, fundamental stretching exercises of wrists, elbows, hips and knees will help to promote a sense of balance in the body. Remember to wear soft, comfortable footwear with flat surfaces, like sneakers or flip-flops, to aid in reducing the pressure exerted on the knees.

Hot And Cold Compress

A hot pack placed on the affected joint will improve blood flow to the region and help to relax the strained muscles. A cold compress or ice pack can immensely diminish pain signals travelling via nerves and also keep inflammation in the joints under control. Apply a hot or cold pack for 10 minutes, to relieve pain and discomfort.

Physical Therapy

Routinely go for physical therapy appointments with a certified physical therapist, as recommended by the healthcare professional, in order to enhance muscle power and mood. These carefully organized movements of aerobics, dancing and low-impact strength training will help to maintain proper body posture, significantly promote flexibility and function in muscles, besides effectively eliminating pain.

Yoga And Meditation

Arthritis affects the day-to-day productivity of an individual and can cause anxiety and depression. Meditation techniques and simple yoga asanas performed for a few minutes every morning will help to focus on positive aspects, improve breath control, elevate low moods and relax stressed-out muscles, bones and joints by reducing the mind’s sensitivity to pain.

Healthy Body Weight

Maintaining optimal body weight is crucial for alleviating joint pain in arthritis, since being overweight or obese invariably put excess pressure on the hips and knees, leading to their degradation. Consult with a doctor, nutritionist and physiotherapist to set a realistic goal of shedding surplus body fat and attaining a healthy body weight, which reduces further damage to the joints with increasing age and exerts less force on them and minimises pain while enhancing their range of motion.

Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

While adhering to a wholesome diet with regular low-intensity exercise and routine physiotherapy stretching sessions certainly helps keep joint degeneration in arthritis under control, anti-inflammatory supplements complement these restorative measures in mitigating joint discomfort. Proven supplements of curcumin – the active ingredient in turmeric, ginger and other herbal extracts of boswellia, and willow bark are known to lessen inflammation in the system due to arthritis. Keep in mind to always seek the advice of a doctor before taking any supplements to ensure consuming them in the appropriate dose and avoid taking them if they trigger any side effects.

Practice Joint Protection Techniques

Using joint-friendly techniques in daily activities can help reduce strain and prevent further joint damage. Try to use assistive devices like canes, grab bars, or jar openers to take pressure off your joints. Modify your movements by using larger joints (like your elbows or shoulders) instead of smaller ones (like fingers) when lifting or carrying objects. Additionally, maintain good posture while sitting and standing to alleviate unnecessary joint stress.

Tip: Take frequent breaks and avoid staying in the same position for too long to prevent stiffness.

Get Plenty of Rest

Rest is essential for managing arthritis, as it allows your body to recover and reduces inflammation in the joints. Practice good sleep hygiene by sticking to a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine or electronic devices before bed. If you're feeling fatigued during the day, take short naps to recharge.

Tip: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to promote joint healing and overall well-being.

Keep Track of Your Symptoms

Monitoring your symptoms can help you understand what triggers flare-ups and what helps relieve your pain. Maintain a pain journal by writing down when you experience pain, what activities preceded it, and what helped ease it. This activity can help you identify the patterns and avoid triggers. Communicate with your healthcare provider regularly and update them about any changes in your condition, so that they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Managing arthritis doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying active, using proper joint protection, and seeking the right treatments, you can effectively control your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember that small, consistent changes can make a big difference, and with a little effort and self-care, you can live well with arthritis.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile

Soumita Basu:

Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.

References:

Authors: Susanne Grässel, Conceptualization, Funding Acquisition, Project Administration, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editinga,1 and Dominique Muschter, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7199286/

Authors: Andrei-Flavius Radu1,* and Simona Gabriela Bungau1,2,*

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8616326/