World Arthritis Day 2025, 12th October – Check Arthritis Causes and Observation

Every year, 12th October marks the observance of World Arthritis Day, a global health awareness event, to make people mindful of the disease and its impact on their lives. Let us take a look at Arthritis’s meaning, its symptoms, and preventive measures in this post.

What is Arthritis, and What causes Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease where joints (one or more) may swell and become tender. Arthritis causes stiffness and severe joint pain that increases with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid Arthritis are the most common types of Arthritis.

Arthritis comes within the category of inflammatory or autoimmune conditions wherein the body’s immune system attacks muscles, joints, bones, etc. Along with the stiffness and pain, Arthritis impacts the mobility of people and affects their quality of life.

The cause of Arthritis mainly depends on the type of the disease. In the case of osteoarthritis, it can be caused when the joints get wear and tear over time. alternatively, conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, and Lupus are mainly caused when your body’s immune system attacks your tissues.

What is World Arthritis Day?

World Arthritis Day is an annual event observed on 12 October. Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) is an organization that established World Arthritis Day in 1996. The day was initiated to educate people about Arthritis and its impact on their lives.

It also intends to educate the public about arthritis symptoms, and how to prevent the disease by early diagnosis. World Arthritis Day is also an opportunity to improve healthcare facilities for diagnosing and treating Arthritis.

Why is World Arthritis Day Observed?

World Arthritis Day is observed every year due to the following reasons:

• To develop diagnosis and treatment of different types of disabilities caused by Arthritis
• To enhance awareness about the causes and impacts of the disease
• To educate the public about and to reduce the stigma associated with it
• To promote further research in getting better treatment, including rheumatoid arthritis treatments to help those suffering from Arthritis
• To support access to quality health care and treatment for arthritis cure, especially for those living with such conditions

How to Observe and Contribute to World Arthritis Day?

You can contribute to making World Arthritis Day a success in many ways. The best way is to engage in local events and activities to support those suffering and their families.

Here are the ways to contribute:

1. Support organizations working towards the cause of Arthritis and help them raise awareness about this chronic condition. This can be done via events, gatherings, social media, and other programs.

2. The impact of Arthritis can be limited if the condition is diagnosed early. World Arthritis Day can be used to encourage people to be mindful of early warning signs and seek immediate medical attention.

3. The occasion can also be used as a platform for people, especially those suffering from the condition, to share their personal experiences within their communities. These sessions can be done any time of the year, not just on the occasion of World Arthritis Day.

4. You can also participate by supporting campaigns to raise funds for the treatment of people suffering from such conditions.

5. You can look for events in your area and volunteer for such initiatives.

Some self-care tips to manage conditions of Arthritis

• Patients suffering from joint pains caused by Arthritis must include a rheumatoid arthritis diet that is well-balanced with lots of anti-inflammatory food items like green leafy vegetables, fruits like berries, as well as legumes, nuts, ginger, and other food fiber-rich food
• Intake of ample amounts of vitamin D and calcium
• Try to maintain the ideal weight since extra body weight causes more stress on joints
• Get regular exercise and physical activity, including swimming, cycling, walking etc.
• Practice yoga and meditation
• Do not smoke