World Arthritis Day 2018
Today, October 12th, 2018, marks World Arthritis Day, a global initiative aimed at increasing awareness about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). This year’s theme is “Don’t Delay, Connect Today,” which emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking early diagnosis and timely access to treatment. The campaign is spearheaded by EULAR, a European non-governmental organization dedicated to representing individuals affected by arthritis and rheumatism.
Understanding Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses various conditions affecting the joints and surrounding tissues. There are over 100 distinct types of arthritis, with the two most prevalent being:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative arthritis, is characterized by the gradual deterioration of cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions joints. As cartilage wears down, it can lead to painful bone-to-bone contact. This condition primarily affects older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above. Symptoms typically develop slowly and may include joint pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Treatment options vary and may include medication, dietary changes, physical therapy, and surgical interventions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune form of arthritis and is more frequently diagnosed in women than men. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues and joints, resulting in inflammation. This inflammation leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly in the morning. Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in the smaller joints of the hands and feet but can progress to larger joints and affect other body parts, including the eyes and lungs. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and minimizing disease impact, as there is currently no cure.
Latest Research on Arthritis
1. Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Walking Ability
While medications can alleviate joint pain and damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis, there is no definitive cure. Researchers in Japan explored how this condition affects walking ability. Their findings shed light on the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and mobility. Read more about this study and its implications.
2. Dietary Influences on Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
A study published in Clinical Rheumatology examined whether specific diets influence the development of rheumatoid arthritis. The research involved participants with and without the condition. Discover the findings related to dietary impacts on rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Advancements in Osteoarthritis Drug Delivery
Effective treatment for osteoarthritis may be achieved through intra-arterial administration, which delivers medication directly to the affected joint. Traditional oral medications often fail to provide sufficient dosages or target the precise areas needing treatment. An article in Drug Delivery Today discusses innovative drug delivery systems for osteoarthritis. Learn more about these advancements.
4. The Role of Magnesium in Preventing Frailty in Knee Osteoarthritis
Frailty is a prevalent condition among the elderly that raises the risk of adverse health outcomes, such as falls. Research published in Nutrients explored the connection between magnesium deficiency and frailty in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Find out if magnesium intake can help prevent frailty.
Additional Resources
For further insights on the latest arthritis research, explore more articles on the topic.
Written by Alana Punit
References
“EULAR – Campaign: Don’t Delay, Connect Today.” Eular.Org, 2018, https://www.eular.org/eular_campaign.cfm. Accessed 12 Oct 2018.
“Degenerative Arthritis – Medical News Bulletin.” Medical News Bulletin, 2018, https://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/degenerative-arthritis/. Accessed 10 Oct 2018.
Laskova, Valeriya, and Wesley Tin. “Rheumatoid Arthritis – Medical News Bulletin.” Medical News Bulletin, 2018, https://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/. Accessed 10 Oct 2018.
Kellen, Debra. “How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Walking Ability?” Medical News Bulletin, 2018, https://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/how-does-rheumatoid-arthritis-affect-walking-ability/. Accessed 10 Oct 2018.
Cruz, Michael. “Do Certain Foods Increase Your Risk Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?” Medical News Bulletin, 2018, https://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/do-certain-foods-increase-your-risk-of-rheumatoid-arthritis/. Accessed 10 Oct 2018.
Vissa, Adriano. “Can New Drug Delivery Systems Treat Osteoarthritis?” Medical News Bulletin, 2018, https://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/can-new-drug-delivery-systems-treat-osteoarthritis/. Accessed 10 Oct 2018.
Vashi, Neeti. “Can Magnesium Prevent Frailty In Knee Osteoarthritis?” Medical News Bulletin, 2018, https://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/magnesium-knee-osteoarthritis/. Accessed 10 Oct 2018.