Early Signs, Treatment & More: What You Need to Know on World Arthritis Day
Every year on October 12, the world unites to observe World Arthritis Day (WAD)—a day dedicated to raising awareness about arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) that affect millions globally. This year’s theme, announced by EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology), is “Achieve Your Dreams” with the official hashtag #RMDreams, symbolizing resilience and empowerment for those living with arthritis.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), arthritis encompasses over 100 conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
Raising awareness is vital because arthritis is not just a disease of aging—it affects people of all ages, including children. Many remain undiagnosed or untreated until significant joint damage has already occurred. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can dramatically improve quality of life and prevent disability.
The History of World Arthritis Day
World Arthritis Day was first observed in 1996 and has since evolved into a global movement. Coordinated by EULAR, it encourages patient organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to collaborate for better care and prevention strategies. The campaign highlights the importance of early intervention, research, and public education to reduce the global arthritis burden.
World Arthritis Day 2025 Theme: “Achieve Your Dreams” (#RMDreams)
The 2025 theme, “Achieve Your Dreams,” focuses on empowering individuals with arthritis to live fulfilling lives, despite the physical and emotional challenges of chronic pain and mobility limitations. Through the #RMDreams campaign, EULAR aims to inspire stories of resilience, hope, and determination among the arthritis community.
EULAR’s 2025 message encourages patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to share how they continue to dream big while managing RMDs, reminding the world that arthritis does not define a person’s aspirations.
Global and Indian Burden of Arthritis
According to WHO, over 500 million people worldwide live with arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most prevalent form. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) alone affects approximately 18 million people globally, causing significant pain and disability.
In India, arthritis affects around 15% of the population, making it a leading cause of physical disability. With the country’s aging population and sedentary lifestyles, the prevalence of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is rising sharply. Many people still lack access to specialized rheumatologic care, particularly in rural regions.
Expert Insights: Q&A with Dr. Arghya Chattopadhyay MD, DM (Rheumatology)
Below is an exclusive MedBound Times conversation with Dr. Arghya Chattopadhyay MD, DM (Rheumatology), Consultant Rheumatologist & Academic Director, Asian Institute of Immunology & Rheumatology, New Town, West Bengal, India.
Which types of arthritis—osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or others—are most common among Indian patients and why?
Dr. Arghya Chattopadhyay: In India, osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most common form, especially involving the knees of middle-aged and elderly women. Increasing longevity, obesity, postural strain, and sedentary lifestyles are major drivers. However, autoimmune forms—including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), and lupus (SLE)—are being diagnosed with greater frequency as awareness and access to rheumatology services improve.
While OA primarily affects the elderly, autoimmune rheumatic diseases often strike young adults, leading to pain, fatigue, and disability during their most productive years—an often under-recognized public health concern.
Dr. Arghya Chattopadhyay: India faces a major shortage of trained rheumatologists. What are your thoughts on this gap, and how does it affect patient care and early diagnosis?
India faces an acute shortage of trained rheumatologists—fewer than 400 specialists currently cater to over 1.4 billion people. This deficit delays diagnosis and leads to inappropriate or symptomatic treatments. Many patients spend months or years under non-specialist care before being referred to rheumatology centers, by which time irreversible joint or organ damage may have occurred.
Bridging this gap requires early referral systems, incorporation of rheumatology teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate training, and the expansion of specialist units beyond major cities. Timely access to expert care can dramatically alter disease outcomes and quality of life.
How many training seats or DM/DNB programs currently exist in India for rheumatology aspirants? Do you think the number of seats is sufficient to meet the growing demand?
Dr. Arghya Chattopadhyay: At present, India offers around 75–80 DM or DrNB seats in Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology each year—an encouraging increase compared to a decade ago, yet still woefully inadequate. Given the country’s population and disease burden, we possibly need at least 2,000–3,000 trained rheumatologists over the next decade. Establishing regional training hubs and structured fellowship programs in government and private medical institutions will be essential to meet this goal.
What message would you like to convey to young doctors considering rheumatology as a career path?
Dr. Arghya Chattopadhyay: Rheumatology today stands at the crossroads of clinical medicine and modern immunology. It offers the intellectual satisfaction of solving complex, multisystem puzzles and the emotional reward of restoring function and dignity to patients who often live with chronic pain. With the rapid evolution of biologic and targeted therapies, the field is advancing faster than ever.
To aspiring clinicians, I would say: choose rheumatology if you seek a specialty that demands both heart and intellect, and where scientific curiosity directly translates into healing lives.
Challenges in Arthritis Care in India
India faces several barriers in arthritis care, including low awareness, late diagnosis, and a shortage of rheumatologists. Many patients turn to self-medication or unproven remedies, delaying proper treatment.
Strengthening public health infrastructure, expanding access to affordable arthritis medication, and promoting community-based rehabilitation programs can help bridge this gap.
Strengthening arthritis care starts not only with policy reform but also with empowering individuals to identify symptoms early and seek proper diagnosis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Arthritis
The common symptoms of arthritis include:
Persistent joint pain and stiffness
Swelling and tenderness
Decreased range of motion
Fatigue and weakness (especially in autoimmune forms like RA)
Early diagnosis is crucial. Doctors often use blood tests, imaging like X-rays or MRIs, and clinical examinations to detect inflammation, joint damage, or immune activity. Identifying arthritis symptoms early allows for better management and prevention of disability.
Arthritis Treatment and Management Approaches
Treatment varies depending on the type of arthritis but typically includes:
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for autoimmune types
Physical therapy to maintain flexibility and strength
Lifestyle changes, including weight management and gentle exercises like yoga and swimming
In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered
Arthritis management focuses on reducing pain, maintaining joint function, and improving daily life. Regular follow-up and adherence to medication can prevent disease progression.
Preventing Arthritis: Public Health and Lifestyle Steps
Although some types of arthritis cannot be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a key role in reducing risk:
Maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake
Engage in low-impact exercise regularly
Protect joints during repetitive activities
Public health campaigns like World Arthritis Day aim to educate people on these steps, promoting a proactive approach to musculoskeletal health.
Why World Arthritis Day Matters
World Arthritis Day is not merely symbolic—it is a reminder that millions live with invisible pain and disability. The 2025 campaign, “Achieve Your Dreams,” urges people with RMDs to share their stories and aspirations, reminding the world that their dreams deserve to be heard and supported.
It calls for collective action from healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and the public to make early diagnosis, expert care, and patient empowerment a reality.
As Dr. Chattopadhyay aptly puts it, “Rheumatology combines science and compassion—it’s where knowledge meets healing.”
