Tomorrow is World Arthritis Day!

Every year on October 12th, we observe World Arthritis Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about a condition that affects millions of people around the globe. Arthritis isn’t just something that happens to older people—it can impact anyone, at any age, from kids to seniors. This day is all about learning, supporting, and making sure everyone knows the importance of early diagnosis and proper care.

What Is Arthritis?

You’ve probably heard the word "arthritis" before, but did you know it’s not just one disease? Arthritis actually refers to over 100 different conditions that affect your joints, the tissues around them, and other parts of the body. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis happens when the cushioning between your bones wears down over time, causing pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, leading to inflammation and joint damage.

There are also other types, like gout, lupus, and juvenile arthritis (which affects kids). While they all come with their own challenges, they can seriously affect how people move and live their everyday lives.

Why Early Diagnosis Is Key

One of the most important messages of World Arthritis Day is the need for early diagnosis. Too often, people brush off symptoms like joint pain and stiffness as just part of getting older or due to an old injury. But catching arthritis early means you can manage it better and avoid long-term damage.

For instance, treating rheumatoid arthritis early can help slow down joint damage, while lifestyle changes like exercise and weight management can help ease symptoms of osteoarthritis.

How Big Is the Impact?

Arthritis affects more than 350 million people worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of disability. It’s not just about physical pain—it can also affect mental health, making people feel isolated or frustrated when they can’t do the things they used to enjoy. The economic impact is huge too, with arthritis often leading to missed work, medical expenses, and decreased productivity.

How to Get Involved on World Arthritis Day

This day isn’t just for people with arthritis; it’s for everyone. There are lots of simple ways you can get involved and help raise awareness:

Share information: Use your social media platforms to spread facts, personal stories, or useful articles about arthritis.

Join local events: Many communities host walks, health talks, or other events that focus on arthritis awareness.

Encourage early diagnosis: Talk to your loved ones about the importance of recognizing early symptoms and seeing a doctor if needed.

Support research and care: Advocate for better healthcare policies or donate to organizations that support arthritis research.

Moving Forward Together

World Arthritis Day is a great reminder that arthritis can be managed, and the more people know about it, the better. Whether you have arthritis yourself or know someone who does, this day is all about education, support, and making sure people get the care they need early on. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by arthritis.

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy 

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.