World Arthritis Day

The scourge of the last decade is inflammatory joint diseases. They occupy an honorable 3rd place, second only to diseases of the circulatory and respiratory system. October 12 is celebrated annually as World Arthritis Day. Arthritis is one of the most ancient diseases on Earth. The skeleton of a male paleoanthropist, found by archaeologists in the French cave La Chapelle, serves as proof of this. Research showed that the man suffered from a deforming form of arthritis of the spine and lower jaw. Fragments of a male skeleton with severe signs of arthritis in the feet were found in the Shanidar Cave. Scientists also studied the skeletons of lizards roaming the Earth during the Jurassic period. It has been proven that brontosaurs suffered from joint diseases. The purpose of the holiday is to attract public attention to the problem and increase the level of public awareness. Talk about rheumatic diseases, methods of combating them, methods of rehabilitation. To unite doctors, patients, people unfamiliar with this disease. Convince of the benefits of prevention and early diagnosis. Show the results of the latest research and scientific achievements, prove that successful rehabilitation is possible, and life, even with such an unpleasant illness, goes on. Rheumatic diseases affect all age categories: adults, children, the elderly. According to the latest WHO data, joint diseases are diagnosed in every 10 inhabitants of the planet. Arthritis occupies a leading position among ailments with disabilities. Women are almost three times more susceptible to the disease than men. The disease occurs between the ages of 30 and 50 years. A large percentage of those affected are children (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). In a third of young patients, the primary case of the disease was recorded at the age of 9-18 months. Half of all sick children have lifelong disabilities. The nature of occurrence and factors influencing the development of rheumatic diseases have not yet been clarified. According to research data, initial requests are often made after: • joint damage; • hypothermia; • stress; • physical overload. There are several types of arthritis: traumatic, allergic, infectious, rheumatoid, juvenile. There are acute and chronic forms. Acute arthritis strikes suddenly, immediately with sharp pain. Chronic over the years flows from a state of exacerbation into remission. If you discover the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor: • pain and stiffness of movement; • swelling of the joint; • bone nodes. The danger and insidiousness of the disease lies in the fact that it can affect not only the outside, but also the inside. Therefore, timely diagnosis is very important, and prevention consists of leading a healthy lifestyle. October 12 is the day when arthrologists, orthopedists, rheumatologists, surgeons, therapists, physiotherapists, exercise therapists discuss the latest advances in medicine aimed at combating arthritis. They conduct consultations, give lectures, gather at seminars and, of course, receive their patients, whom they try to help with all their hearts.