Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day

History of Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day

Rheumatoid Arthritis (R.A.) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect our joints. R.A. is an auto-immune condition, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause swelling in the joint linings and can result in inflammation, severe pain, deformity, bone erosion, etc. The effects of R.A. can spread throughout the body and can cause all kinds of problems. The condition can affect the health of the heart, kidneys, muscles, and bones. There has been no cure for the condition — as is the case with most auto-immune diseases. However, with proper lifestyle habits and medication, we can manage R.A.

Alfred B. Garrod started calling the disease “Rheumatoid Arthritis” in 1858. It was earlier confused with Osteoarthritis. Garrod corrected the name and gave a distinction between both. In earlier years, treatment options were traditional methods like bloodletting and leaching. The use of heavy metal medications has started to show some promise. Only after 1949 did pain relievers become available. Methotrexate treatments started appearing around 1988. For some people, the condition can go into remission and reappear after a few months or weeks.

In 2011, patients came together and formed the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation. The purpose of the organization is to spread awareness about the condition and the treatment options available. In 2013, the foundation started Rheumatoid Awareness Day to raise awareness and resolve misconceptions about the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day timeline

1800

First Mention

Augustin Jacob Landré-Beauvais mentions Rheumatoid Arthritis in his dissertation.

1948

Cortisone For R.A.

Philip Hench and Edward Kendall successfully use cortisone to treat autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.

1988

Methotrexate is Used

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves methotrexate as a therapy for R.A.

2011

Rheumatoid Patient Foundation

A group of people with Rheumatoid Arthritis start R.P.F. to spread awareness about the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day FAQs

When is Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day in 2027 will be observed on Tuesday, February 2. It serves as a dedicated opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by millions living with RA and to promote early diagnosis and effective management strategies.

How many people are affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

Across the globe, rheumatoid arthritis impacts a significant number of individuals, with estimates suggesting around 1% of the adult population lives with the condition. In the U.S., this translates to roughly 1.5 million people, making awareness critical for early intervention.

What are the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis typically experience persistent joint stiffness, particularly in the mornings or after periods of inactivity, along with tenderness and warmth in affected joints. Many also report systemic symptoms like chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

Is rheumatoid arthritis the same as osteoarthritis?

While both affect the joints, RA is characterized by systemic inflammation and can impact other organs, whereas OA is primarily a mechanical issue involving cartilage breakdown. RA often affects smaller joints first, like those in the hands and feet, while OA more commonly impacts larger, weight-bearing joints.

How to Observe Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day

Educate yourself

The first step in spreading awareness is educating ourselves. It can help us provide helpful information to others. Take the time to catch up on the latest research and news to update yourself with new information regarding R.A.

Arrange medical camps

Arrange a medical camp to diagnose R.A. You can create a campaign and invite people from your community. If you are unable to do all of this on your own, you can still help by volunteering at a medical camp.

Share social media posts

Share information through social media. Foundations like R.P.F. would have the required information and statistics in case a Google search can not help you.

5 Important Facts About Rheumatoid Awareness Day

Many people have it

Approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. have R.A.

Women are more susceptible

Women are diagnosed with it 2.5 times more often than men.

Age matters

People between the ages of 20 and 50 are more prone to R.A.

It is global

Globally, more than 350 million people suffer from R.A.

Race and rheumatoid arthritis

Multiracial groups, non-Hispanic, people of color, and Hispanics exhibit higher arthritis-attributable activity.

Why Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is Important

Checking for R.A. is important

A day for R.A. can be used to visit a doctor to check if you have the disease. Early detection can help to suppress the disease into remission more easily than late detection. Even if there are no symptoms, it is better to make sure.

We can meet new people who want to help

For people with R.A., the day opens up an opportunity to meet new people from different places. They can meet people with the same condition, and they can also meet people who want to help them. It is better to have more people to support you.

Information is always priceless

Even if you do not have R.A. and there is no one you know who has RA, it is still a good day to learn more about this chronic autoimmune condition. You can spread the information about the disease, and someone might find it useful.