Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and other organs of the body. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and damage. RA can affect anyone, but it is more common in women and people between the ages of 20 and 50. RA can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients and their families, as it can limit their mobility, productivity, and social participation.
To raise awareness and support for this condition, Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed every year on February 2. This day was initiated in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of people with RA through education, advocacy, and research. The theme for Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day 2024 is “RA Matters”, which highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs and challenges of people with RA.
The main objectives of Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day are:
- To educate the public about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of RA.
- To advocate for early detection and intervention, as well as access to affordable and effective care for people with RA.
- To support the patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals dealing with RA daily.
- To encourage research and innovation to find better ways to manage and cure RA.
RA stands for rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and other organs of the body. Some of the common symptoms of RA are:
- Joint pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness, and warmth, especially in the hands, wrists, feet, and knees
- Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
- Symmetrical joint involvement, meaning the same joints on both sides of the body are affected
- Skin, eye, lung, heart, kidney, nerve, bone marrow, and blood vessel problems in some cases
RA is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage. RA can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients and their families, as it can limit their mobility, productivity, and social participation.
If you have persistent discomfort and swelling in your joints, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and intervention can help prevent or slow down the progression of RA and reduce the risk of complications. Various medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes can help manage RA symptoms and improve your well-being.
