World Arthritis Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the disease and to support the people fighting the disease. Annually, World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12, across the world. The day is also referred to as “WAD”.
WAD aims to help raise awareness in all audiences across the world of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, often referred to as RMDs. The debilitating effects of these diseases, of which more than 200 exist, are little known; their impact, however, is large – and silently – felt.
World Arthritis Day: What is Arthritis?
Arthritis means the swelling or tenderness of one or more joints leading to pain and stiffness in the joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.
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World Arthritis Day: Theme – 2021
Every year, the day is celebrated under a theme and the theme for this year is – “Don’t Delay, Connect Today: Time2Work.” The year 2020 and 2019 theme was “Time2Work”.
World Arthritis Day: History
For the first time, World Arthritis Day was celebrated on October 12, 1996, by the NGO - The Arthritis and Rheumatism International Foundation. The day started creating awareness after the launch of huge campaigns by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). Later, after 2017 the day started to be celebrated under the theme.
This year the world would celebrate 25th World Arthritis Day.
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World Arthritis Day: Myths – Facts
Myth: Arthritis is not treatable and the medication available is ineffective and toxic.
Fact: As per the experts, almost all inflammatory arthritis is treatable. Modern medicines are safe and non-toxic.
Myth: Yoga is a must to cure Arthritis.
Fact: Some can harm joints, but some yoga postures are good for a particular type of arthritis.
Myth: All types of arthritis are the same
Fact: No, not all arthritis is the same. The most common is osteoarthritis, which is also called green arthritis.
Myth: Arthritis patients should consult Orthopaedican.
Fact: Arthritis should be treated only by trained rheumatologists, who are trained for medical management of arthritis. Only in the last stage, surgery is required, which is done by an Orthopaedician.
Myth: Walking is not good for knees, the patient must rest.
Fact: Walking is very good for knees, as walking increase muscle strength, reduce weight and regenerate cartilage of knee joints.