

Every year on October 12, World Arthritis Day is observed to raise awareness of the prevalence and effects of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders. “Arthritis” is a generic term for inflammation of joints which also include different types of rheumatoid arthritis problems. It may result in swelling in or near a joint, which can cause discomfort, stiffness, and occasionally trouble moving.
On this Arthritis Day, it is imperative for everyone to increase awareness about the types of arthritis, arthritis symptoms, and ways to keep the condition at bay.
World Arthritis Day 2022: History & Significance
Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) established World Arthritis Day in 1996 and it has been celebrated on October 12 ever since. The main goal is to increase public awareness of RMDs (rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases) and to inform people about how early diagnosis and effective treatment may significantly reduce arthritis pain symptoms and enhance the quality of life for people.
According to statistics, Arthritis affects almost 180 million people in India, which is a bigger number than the number of people who have diseases like AIDS and cancer or lifestyle problems like diabetes. If statistics are to be accepted, 14% of Indians visit a doctor each year for arthritis treatment.
A new research that studied 6.4 million samples found that arthritis is becoming more common in Indians. By 2025, India will likely have more than 60 million people affected by osteoarthritis, making it the country with the highest rate of this disease. You can therefore minimise your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by taking preventative steps after learning about the main types of arthritis.
Common Types of Arthritis
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of arthritis:
1. Osteoarthritis
With a prevalence of 22% to 39% in Indians, it is the most common type of arthritis where cartilage breaks down due to repeated stress. Every year, 15 million adults are affected with osteoarthritis. The majority of Indians are unaware that it affects women more frequently than it does men and that the threat rises with age. According to studies, 45% of women over 65 years old exhibit arthritis pain symptoms, although 70% of females have radiological evidence of osteoarthritis.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most prevalent type of arthritis among Indians. This autoimmune condition damages the tissues near the joints. It can be controlled if diagnosed early, despite the fact that the exact rheumatoid arthritis causes or trigger remain unknown.
RA is most frequently observed in individuals between the ages of 35 and 55 and it affects roughly 0.5% of Indians overall. Women are more likely than males to develop rheumatoid arthritis, just like osteoarthritis. In this instance, however, women are three to four times more likely to be affected than males.
3. Gout
It is among the most common causes of inflammatory arthritis. Gout is three to four times more prevalent in men, obese individuals, and those who are 50 years old or beyond.
4. Fibromyalgia
More than 3.7 million Americans are affected by Fibromyalgia, although the majority of them are women, between the ages of 40 and 75. Fibromyalgia is sometimes chronic and musculoskeletal pain all around, discomfort, exhaustion, and insomnia are symptoms of this condition. Some people may also be more sensitive to arthritis pain than people who do not have fibromyalgia.
5. Lupus
Lupus is another autoimmune, inflammatory condition that can cause arthritis. This type of arthritis is also chronic and brought on by the body’s immune system attacking healthy, normal tissue. Damage to joints, kidneys, and even blood can result from this swelling and inflammatory reaction.
Most Common Arthritis Symptoms
Joints are affected by most of the arthritis symptoms. Signs and symptoms of various types of arthritis can include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
What Causes Arthritis Knee Pain?
The most common arthritis causes include:
- Wear & tear of joints due to repeated stress
- Age
- Injuries
- Obesity
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Genes or Family History
- Muscle Weakness
Arthritis Treatment & Medications
The main objective of arthritis treatment is to minimise your existing level of pain and stop further joint degeneration. In terms of controlling arthritis pain, you’ll discover what works best for you.
Arthritis treatment typically includes a mix of:
- Medications and supplements
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nutrient-rich diet
- Regular exercise
- Weight loss, if needed
- Warm and cold compresses
- Usage of mobility assistance devices
Improving the functionality of your joints is also crucial. In order to get the best outcomes, your doctor might suggest combining several different types of treatment.
Many different types of arthritis medications are available these days:
- While analgesics like hydrocodone (Vicodin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are useful for managing arthritis pain, they have little effect in reducing inflammation.
- Salicylates and ibuprofen (Advil) are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) that are used to treat inflammation and pain. Salicylates should not be combined with other blood-thinning drugs.
- Creams containing menthol or capsaicin stop the spread of pain signals coming from your joints.
- Prednisone and other steroids help to reduce inflammation but they should only be used cautiously and temporarily.
- For moderate to severe inflammatory arthritis, such as RA, immunosuppressants and biologics are recommended.
Your doctor could advise corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs) if you have rheumatoid arthritis because they suppress your immune system. Currently, methotrexate is a first-line therapeutic option. Numerous over-the-counter and prescribed arthritis medications are also available to treat OA.
Fish Oil for Arthritis
As per various studies, the symptoms of certain types of arthritis that can be relieved with the help of Omega 3 fatty acids present in fish oil. As these types of arthritis lead to inflammation in the body, it is proven that the fatty acids can help inhibit numerous factors of inflammation.
Conclusion
Arthritis affects people of all ages and is one of the main causes of disability in the U.S. Even though there is no known cure for the majority of these autoimmune diseases, effective pain management and healthy lifestyle choices can greatly improve the quality of life for those who suffer from this joint condition. This World Arthritis Day, let’s create awareness about the types as well as ways to manage this condition.