Recognizing Millions Living With Arthritis Around the World
October 12 is World Arthritis Day, a time to recognize the millions of children, adults, military personnel, and seniors worldwide who live with arthritis and related conditions.
Arthritis is not simply a disease of aging, nor is it always caused by wear and tear. It can affect people at virtually any age, including young children and adults in their 20s and 30s.
There are more than 100 forms of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, lupus, and other inflammatory diseases. Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) is a separate bone condition that can also cause severe joint damage and secondary arthritis.
Juvenile Arthritis: Children Hurt Too
More than 300,000 children in the United States have historically been estimated to live with arthritis or related rheumatic conditions.
Children as young as 2 or 3 may experience painful, swollen joints, stiffness, fatigue, and difficulty walking or playing. Unfortunately, younger children cannot always explain their pain, sometimes leading to delayed diagnosis.
No child should have to struggle in silence simply because they cannot describe what hurts.
Osteoarthritis: Not Just an Elderly Person’s Disease
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Although it becomes more prevalent with age, adults can develop OA in their 30s or even earlier.
Previous injuries, genetics, joint abnormalities, repetitive stress, and other factors can contribute to its development. OA affects the entire joint, not simply the cartilage, and can cause chronic pain, inflammation, stiffness, and disability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: More Than Joint Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
RA can affect much more than the joints. It may involve the lungs, heart, eyes, blood vessels, and other organs. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to reducing inflammation and preventing permanent damage.
Arthritis in Our Military and Veterans
Our active-duty service members and veterans also face a significant burden from osteoarthritis.
Military training, carrying heavy equipment, repetitive physical demands, joint injuries, and years of strenuous activity can contribute to OA, sometimes beginning long before retirement age.
Those who have served our country deserve recognition, appropriate treatment, and continued support for the physical consequences of their service.
Awareness Must Lead to Understanding
On World Arthritis Day, remember that arthritis is not always visible. Someone may look perfectly healthy while experiencing significant pain, exhaustion, inflammation, or limited mobility.
Arthritis does not discriminate by age, income, occupation, or nationality.
Today, let’s recognize everyone living with arthritis, support the families caring for them, advocate for better treatments, and encourage continued research.
Together, through compassion, education, advocacy, and hope, we can help build a future where no one living with arthritis feels forgotten.
If you were someone you love is with any form of arthritis considered joining a connect group. You can find groups located through the Arthritis Foundation or by checking out Connectgroups.arthritis.org.
