World Arthritis Day

World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12 every year. The holiday was founded by the Arthritis Foundation to raise awareness of what arthritis is, the different forms it can present in, and how to prevent it. Early diagnosis is particularly important for providing timely and appropriate treatment.

History

William Musgrave was the first to take a thorough study of arthritis, which he classified in his 1715 book On the Symptoms of Arthritis. It is now known that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, but reducing their manifestation can help relieve symptoms, such as through weight loss and systematic exercise. Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not only a disease of the elderly; about 30% of sufferers are under the age of 65, and it can even occur in children and adolescents.

Interesting facts

• Around 4500 BC was the first mention of arthritis.
• In 1591, the first official documentary evidence of a patient with arthritis was made by French physician Guillaume de Baillou, who used the old term “rheumatism” to describe the disease.
• The most common causes of arthritis are injuries, abnormal metabolism, genetic predisposition, infections, and problems with the immune system.

How to take part

On World Arthritis Day, it is important to increase your knowledge on the first symptoms of arthritis, and if any of these symptoms become present, seek medical advice regardless of age. Additionally, it is important to support those already diagnosed with arthritis, and even join them in joint sports such as walking, which will help reduce the manifestations of arthritis as well as prevent it from occurring.

When is World Arthritis Day celebrated in 2023?

World Arthritis Day is observed on October 12 each year.

Observations