Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day 2024: History, significance, indicators and signs of the illness

World Rheumatic Arthritis Day is widely known yearly on February 2 to boost consciousness of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory illness that impacts the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one other title for rheumatoid illness, is an autoimmune disease by which the physique assaults and damages the liner of the joints, mistaking it for international materials. This causes ache and irritation. Although it may possibly have an effect on folks of any age, intercourse, race or ethnicity, ladies usually tend to be affected (2.5 instances extra seemingly than males). The commonest age group is between 20 and 50. As we observe this event, let’s perceive its indicators and signs. (Also learn: Rheumatoid arthritis in young adults: Causes, symptoms and treatment )

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day History

Alfred B. Garrod first used the phrase “rheumatoid arthritis” to explain the illness in 1858. It had beforehand been confused with osteoarthritis. Garrod outlined the time period and made a distinction between the 2. There was conventional therapies resembling bloodletting and lye. Drugs containing heavy metals started to indicate some promise. Until 1949, painkillers weren’t broadly out there.

The first methotrexate therapies turned out there in 1988. However, some sufferers expertise a relapse after just a few months or weeks of remission. Later, in 2011, a bunch of sufferers based the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation. The organisation goals to boost public consciousness of the illness and the therapies out there. In 2013, the charity launched Rheumatoid Awareness Day to boost consciousness and dispel some frequent misconceptions in regards to the illness.

Significance of Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is a vital day for elevating consciousness of this power autoimmune illness that impacts tens of millions of individuals worldwide. This day serves as a platform to coach the general public, advocate for early analysis and therapy, and help these residing with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By elevating consciousness, encouraging analysis initiatives and selling entry to care, today performs a vital position in enhancing the standard of life of individuals affected by RA and advancing efforts to discover a remedy. It additionally affords solidarity and encouragement to sufferers, carers and healthcare professionals of their journey to handle this complicated illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

“One common kind of arthritis with unique features is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It generally affects smaller joints, particularly those in the wrist, fingers, and foot. Accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis depend on an understanding of its distinctive characteristics. Immune system breaks down in rheumatoid arthritis, which leads to white blood cells attacking the joint lining. Inflammation brought on by this autoimmune reaction causes joint discomfort and oedema. Comprehending the immune foundation of RA is essential for customising suitable therapy regimens and strategies,” says Dr Girish Kakade, Consultant – Rheumatologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune.

He additional shared with HT Digital, “When it comes to the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it’s necessary to consider a range of indicators. Patients typically experience joint inflammation, commonly affecting the hands, fingers, feet, and knees. This can manifest as pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness, and stiffness. Some additional symptoms include joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, and morning stiffness that lasts for 30 minutes or longer.”

“Additional signs and symptoms might include weakness and oedema in the joints, exhaustion, fever, and appetite loss. It’s also important to remember that many joints are usually impacted, with minor joints like the wrists and specific joints in the hands and feet frequently being the first to be affected. Apart from joints, RA can affect various other organs of the body in the long term, such as eyes, lungs, blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent these complications of RA,” says Dr Girish.

He revealed, “Younger people are susceptible to developing RA, which can have a significant effect on the wrist, fingers, and feet. The characteristic symptoms of RA, such as weariness, stiffness in the morning, and chronic pain, are partly caused by the immune system’s misdirected attack on the joint linings in the body. It is important to remember that rheumatoid arthritis is not exclusive to the elderly.”

“Since various kinds of arthritis can appear in people as young as 50 or 60, it’s critical to take a wider age range into account while diagnosing and treating these disorders. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of arthritic disorders can be facilitated by understanding the unique patterns of joint involvement and the function of the immune system in Rheumatoid arthritis,” concluded Dr Girish.