WORLD ARTHRITIS DAY
Arthritis is a disease that covers more than a hundred types of rheumatic diseases related to joint pain or joint disease, can be seen in people of all ages, and can negatively affect the quality of life of patients due to the symptoms it causes (such as pain and swelling) and may even shorten their lifespan.
According to World Health Organization data, it is estimated that 350 million people in the world have arthritis. Due to its importance, October 12 was declared as "World Arthritis Day" in the world in order to raise awareness about the disease at an individual and social level.
The two most common types of arthritis, popularly known as "arthritis", are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Common symptoms are joint pain, joint swelling, stiffness and limited movement. Therefore, arthritis can have a negative impact on a person's mobility and overall quality of life.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It progresses with symptoms of pain, stiffness and swelling in and around one or more joints. It affects 3.3-3.6% of individuals worldwide. Osteoarthritis, which causes moderate to severe disability in 43 million people, ranks eleventh among diseases causing disability globally.
In the 2022 Türkiye Health Research Report published by TÜİK; It is noteworthy that 8% of people over the age of 15 with health problems are caused by osteoarthritis, and the rate of female patients is approximately twice as high as that of men.
Osteoarthritis is associated with aging and usually begins after age 40. In addition to unchangeable risk factors such as age and gender (female), modifiable risk factors such as excess weight, sports injuries, muscle weakness, overload on joints and improper nutrition play a determining role in the occurrence of osteoarthritis. The knee, hand, hip, neck and lumbar spine regions, which have been exposed to constant loading stress for years, are more affected by the disease.
The diagnosis of the disease is made based on clinical and radiological findings. The main goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, prevent the development of disability and improve quality of life.
Due to the importance of the issue, our Ministry has prepared and implemented the "Turkey Musculoskeletal System Diseases Prevention and Control Program (2021-2026)", which is important for raising awareness about the causes and effects of arthritis and carrying out early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, monitoring and rehabilitation activities in a multi-stakeholder manner. has taken a step.
In this context, we request that you support our work by getting consultancy support for your disease from your family doctor and healthy life centers and by having your disease treated in accordance with your doctor's recommendations; We hope that you will protect your health by acting in accordance with the recommendations below.
· Add joint-friendly activities such as swimming and walking to your life and be physically active.
· Maintain your ideal weight to ease the strain on your joints.
· Choose a balanced diet that includes plenty of anti-inflammatory foods such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, ginger, nuts, legumes and fiber.
· Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Today may be a good opportunity to improve your quality of life, recognize arthritis and not delay it.
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