WORLD ARTHRITIS DAY( OCT;12) --'IT'S IN YOUR HANDS,TAKE ACTION'

World Arthritis Day (WAD) is a global initiative bringing people together to raise awareness of issues affecting people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

WAD is recognised every year on 12 October and is supported by a year-round global campaign.

WAD relies on the dedication and passion of people/organisations like you to make a difference to the lives of those with RMDs

THIS YEARS THEME

This simple but important statement has been developed to remind all stakeholders that we must seize every opportunity to take action and make a difference to the quality of life of people with RMDs.

People with RMDs – it’s in your hands, take action and ensure you receive the treatment/care that is optimal for you

Families/carers – it’s in your hands, take action by supporting your loved one with her/his condition and make sure they receive the best care for their individual needs

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) – it’s in your hands, take action and work with your patients to make sure they have all the information about their condition, ensure care models are optimised and ensure that each of your patients receives tailored care for his or her needs

Policy-makers – it’s in your hands, take action - create policies that will help patients with RMDs manage their condition

This year, we are implementing the ‘It’s in your hands, take action’ theme by spreading a gesture that brings two hands together with an uplifting action: the WAD High 5

 RHEUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES

Rheumatism refers to various painful medical conditions which affect joints, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and muscles;

Some people use the word arthritis to refer to all rheumatic diseases. Arthritis, which literally means joint inflammation,is just part of the rheumatic diseases.

Arthritis in the restricted sense primarily involves: joint pain, joint stiffness, joint inflammation, and joint damage.

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) encompass over 200 different diseases and are characterised by pain and stiffness in one or more areas of the musculoskeletal system, causing a consequent reduction in the range of motion and function.

 Therefore, limitations in daily activities and ability to actively participate in society may occur.

In some diseases, there are signs of inflammation: swelling, redness, warmth in the affected areas. RMDs can also affect internal organs.

Types of RMDs

RMDs are commonly classified into inflammatory and non-inflammatory types:

Common non-inflammatory RMDs consist of degenerative spine diseases, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia

Common inflammatory RMDs consist of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, connective tissue diseases, polymyalgia rheumatica

Disease burden

RMDs affect  over 120 million people in europe and a large proportion here in africa.

In the industrialised world, RMDs affect more individuals than any other disease group

Moreover, untreated rheumatic diseases may reduce life expectancy
RMDs can affect people of all genders, ethnicities and ages, including children

However, some RMDs are more common among certain populations.

For example, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, fibromyalgia, and lupus predominantly affect women.

Spondyloarthropathies and gout are more common in men

Economic burden
RMDs have a huge economic burden on global healthcare systems. In Europe, public spending totals over €200 billion per year.

They are the most expensive diseases for the European health and socio-economic systems.

The costs are associated with diagnosis, treatment, drugs, care, assistive devices, home modifications, and research.

In addition, decreased productivity and absence from work as a result of RMDs contributes significantly to these costs

Impact on quality of life
If rheumatic diseases are not treated appropriately, daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, cooking, and personal hygiene are affected.

Rheumatic diseases can also have a profound effect on work capacity.

They are the single biggest cause of both sick leave and premature retirement, causing physical disability, even amongst people of working age.

Difficulty participating in family/social activities

Anxiety and depression most times are profound.

Feeling of helplessness and dependance

If left untreated, some RMDs may reduce life expectancy

Causes, symptoms and diagnosis
In some cases, RMDs can be hereditary however a family history of RMDs does not mean you will inevitably get an RMD.

RMDs can also be triggered by lifestyle factors such as

smoking,

excessive weight,

sedentary lifestyles,

increasing age and

having occupations that lead to injury and overuse of joints/muscles,

however in some cases the causes are unknown

RMDs are associated with a wide range of symptoms, including:

Inflammation indicated by joint swelling, stiffness, redness, and/or warmth

Persistent muscle and joint pain

Tenderness

Extreme fatigue, lack of energy, weakness, or a feeling of malaise

Stiffness and restricted range in movement or flexibility

Joint deformity

Symptoms affecting the internal organs

Invisible symptoms e.g. depression and anxiety

Quick action upon presentation of RMD symptoms is vital and symptoms should be assessed by a physician, preferably a specialist rheumatologist, as early as possible to access appropriate treatment.

 Early medical treatment of inflammatory RMDs, particularly in the first 12 weeks, can prevent joint and organ damage, improve long-term function, and increase the likelihood of achieving disease remission.

Treatment choices should be made in partnership between the healthcare professional and patient

Treating and managing RMDs
Treatment for RMDs typically focuses on managing the condition to ensure the best possible quality of life.

There is no single medication or treatment that works for everyone. However, there are treatments, including medication, that help manage pain and control RMD symptoms.

Physiotherapy is often advised to reduce the symptoms of certain RMDs.

Treatment options include;

Medications-oral, etc

Intra articular

Gel/creams

Exercise

Weight reduction

Physical therapy

Assistive devices

surgery

The prevalence of clinical anxiety and depression in those with RMDs is about twice that seen in the general population – therefore psychological support may also be required.

Self-management is a key part of managing RMDs and can be life-changing.

For people with RMDs, self-management means taking control of living with an RMD, encouraging an attitude whereby they accept the condition affects them but does not control them..

This technique,combined with support from local patient groups and organisations can help people manage their RMD

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ARTHRITIS

    These are perpetuated by the spread of inaccurate information and can keep a person away from managing the disease properly. Here are some
examples:
• Arthritis is an old person's disease.
Fact: Arthritis can occur at any age.

•      Arthritis is induced by a cold, wet climate.
Fact: Climate itself is neither the cause, nor the cure.
Arthritis is caused by a poor diet.
Fact: There is little scientific evidence that specific food prevents or causes arthritis, there are few diseases, such as gout, where intake of certain types of food or drinks (alcohol) can precipitate an attack.

•      Remember ;

And give someone a,

Appreciation.

European league against rheumatism(EULAR)