Raising Awareness for Rheumatoid Arthritis on Rheumatoid Awareness Day

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In RA, the immune system targets the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the joints. This causes painful swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint function over time.

Some common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the smaller joints of the hands and feet
• Fatigue, lack of energy, and weakness
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
• Firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules)

RA is a chronic condition, meaning it is ongoing and long-lasting. Periods of increased disease activity are called flares. RA typically affects joints on both sides of the body symmetrically. If left uncontrolled, RA can cause permanent joint damage and disability.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The exact causes of RA are unknown, but researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Genetic factors make some people more susceptible to developing the disease. Potential environmental and lifestyle triggers include:

• Smoking
• Exposure to certain infections
• Hormonal changes
• Obesity
• High levels of stress
• Exposure to environmental toxins

Women are up to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy and menopause, may explain some of this increased risk.

Importance of Raising Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness

Because RA affects over 1.5 million Americans, raising public awareness is crucial. Here are some key reasons why:

• Early diagnosis and treatment is critical. The earlier someone is diagnosed and starts treatment, the better their prognosis. Increased awareness can help people recognize symptoms and see a doctor promptly.
• Debunking myths and misconceptions. Many people think rheumatoid arthritis only affects the elderly. But the truth is RA can start at any age. Increasing understanding helps more people take symptoms seriously.
• Highlighting new treatments. In the past, RA treatment options were limited. But thanks to biologics and other advances, better treatments are available. Awareness spreads information about these innovations.
• Reducing stigma. Being transparent about RA challengeslike chronic pain, fatigue, and disabilitylessens stigma. Awareness encourages openness and compassion.
• Supporting research. More funding and researchers are needed to uncover RA's causes and potential cures. Awareness boosts support for ongoing research.

Rheumatoid Awareness Day History

Rheumatoid Awareness Day was started in 2016 by Kelly O'Neill Young, an RA patient advocate and author of the blog RheumatoidArthritisWarrior.com. After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2009, Kelly dedicated herself to raising awareness and providing education, support, and inspiration for the RA community.

Kelly partnered with the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation (RPF)a non-profit dedicated to improving care and treatment of RA patientsto establish the first annual Rheumatoid Awareness Day. They chose February 2nd because the date's 2/2 mirrors RA's tendency to affect joints symmetrically on both sides of the body.

Within two years, Rheumatoid Awareness Day gained attention worldwide, with observances in over 40 countries. The grassroots campaign continues to gain momentum thanks to dedicated volunteers and coordinators.

How Rheumatoid Awareness Day Is Observed

People around the world observe Rheumatoid Awareness Day in many ways, such as:

• Educational events. Seminars, conferences, and talks bring in medical experts to share the latest RA research and answer questions.
• Awareness campaigns. Posters, flyers, rallies, and information booths are set up in public areas to engage people.
• Social media activity. The #RADay hashtag spreads key messages and stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms.
• Fundraisers. Charity runs, walks, concerts, auctions, and other events raise money for RA causes.
• Official proclamations. Elected officials issue official proclamations declaring February 2nd as Rheumatoid Awareness Day.
• Lighting landmarks red. Buildings and monuments illuminate in red lights to visually raise awareness.

These observances help educate entire communities about rheumatoid arthritis signs, symptoms, treatments, and the impact on patients' lives. They bring people together to show support for the RA community.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

Getting an accurate rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis can take persistence. Many factors make RA difficult to diagnose:

• Symptoms mimic other conditions like osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.
• Symptoms develop gradually, over weeks or months.
• Blood tests are not always positive early in the disease.
• Not all joint imaging shows joint damage in early stages.

To diagnose RA, doctors look for several specific criteria:

• Joint involvement - RA often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, especially smaller joints of the hands and feet.
• Number of joints affected - More than 10 joints is significant for an RA diagnosis.
• Serum markers - Blood tests check for high levels of inflammation and autoantibodies like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP.
• Duration of symptoms - Symptoms like joint pain and stiffness persisting for 6 weeks or longer increase suspicion of RA.
• Imaging tests - X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI can reveal joint damage typical of RA.

In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism developed a scoring system to classify RA based on this criteria. Diagnosing RA early is vital to prevent irreversible joint damage.

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early and aggressive treatment can minimize joint damage and allow patients to live full, active lives. RA treatment has two main goals:

• Reduce inflammation and ease pain from RA flares
• Achieve remission by controlling disease activity long-term

Common medications used to treat RA include:

• DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) - Anti-inflammatory medications like methotrexate that slow disease progression. Often used as a first line treatment.
• Biologics - Advanced medications like etanercept (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira) that target specific parts of the immune system. Used for aggressive RA cases.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - Anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen to relieve joint pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroids - Powerful steroids like prednisone used short-term to quickly reduce inflammation during severe flares.

Doctors often combine medications from different classes to balance effectiveness and safety. Medications are adjusted until the disease is well-controlled and the patient experiences minimal symptoms.

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Learning to live with rheumatoid arthritis is a process. Patients and families must often make major lifestyle adjustments. Helpful tips include:

• Find a great doctor - Choosing a rheumatologist who listens to your needs and concerns makes a huge difference.
• Learn techniques to protect joints - Splints, assistive devices, and joint-protecting methods help avoid further damage.
• Balance activity and rest - Know your limits for activity, and respect when your body needs rest.
• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet - Foods like fish, nuts, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables fight inflammation.
• Reduce stress - Stress takes a toll on RA symptoms. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or tai chi.
• Join a support group - Connecting with others who understand your struggles provides emotional relief.

While living with rheumatoid arthritis has challenges, many patients lead rich, fulfilling lives by focusing on pacing themselves, finding new hobbies, and celebrating small victories in managing their condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis itself causes joint damage and disability. But RA complications can affect the entire body and be life-threatening. Potential RA complications include:

• Osteoporosis - Chronic inflammation from RA increases bone loss and fracture risk.
• Heart disease - Chronic inflammation also accelerates cardiovascular disease like atherosclerosis.
• Lung disease - RA inflammation can cause a variety of lung complications including pleurisy, nodules, and pulmonary fibrosis.
• Cervical instability - Damage to upper neck vertebrae makes the cervical spine unstable and more prone to serious injury.
• Lymphoma - Some RA medications suppress the immune system, increasing lymphoma risk.
• Depression - Chronic pain, fatigue, and disability lead to depression for as many as 42% of RA patients.

Working closely with a rheumatologist allows patients to balance RA treatment benefits and risks. Preventative care, early detection, and prompt treatment of complications is key.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Resources

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel overwhelming at times. Connecting with resources provides education, encouragement, and hope. Excellent RA support resources include:

• Rheumatoid Patient Foundation - Non-profit that led the launch of Rheumatoid Awareness Day to provide RA education and support.
• Arthritis Foundation - Leading non-profit funding research for a cure and offering community events and programs.
• CreakyJoints - Online patient support community with articles, social media groups, and a helpline.
• RheumatoidArthritis.org - Informational website offering practical tips for living well with RA.
• Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center - Top medical center providing excellent RA patient resources.

Online support groups connect patients around the world who understand the daily ups and downs of life with rheumatoid arthritis. Always check with your doctor and be an informed patient when exploring resources.

The Future of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

While there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, researchers are making exciting advances. Some promising areas of RA research include:

• Early intensive therapy - Using a combination of medications immediately after diagnosis aims to achieve sustained remission.
• Novel biologics - New biologic drugs that target different parts of the immune system response.
• Gene therapy - Delivering genetic material to cells to theoretically shut down the abnormal immune response causing inflammation.
• Stem cell therapy - Using stem cells to regenerate joint cartilage damaged by RA inflammation.

Small molecule drugs, nanotechnology, and complementary medicine approaches are also being investigated. Increased funding for RA clinical trials and research offers hope for better treatments and perhaps ultimately a cure.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Remission

While rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, recent treatment advances are allowing some patients to achieve remission. RA remission means:

• No or very low disease activity based on assessment tools
• No progression of joint damage
• Major reduction in symptoms like pain, fatigue, and stiffness

Patients in remission can remain stable for months or even years. With tight control of RA inflammation, some patients experience minimal symptoms and are able to maintain active, full lives.

Factors that make remission more likely include:

• Early, aggressive treatment
• Close monitoring and medication adjustments
• Not smoking
• Avoiding obesity
• Following a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet
• Exercising regularly
• Working closely with your rheumatologist

Permanent drug-free remission is rare. But even periods of remission are meaningful goals. They provide hope that rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be controlled and joint damage slowed or stopped.

Take Action on Rheumatoid Awareness Day

Rheumatoid Awareness Day on February 2nd provides an excellent opportunity to get involved with RA advocacy. Consider taking action by:

• Donating to an organization funding RA research and support programs
• Contacting local officials and asking them to make a Rheumatoid Awareness Day proclamation
• Volunteering to help with a local Rheumatoid Awareness Day event
• Sharing your story or helpful resources on social media
• Wearing red clothing to symbolize RA awareness
• Talking to family and friends about rheumatoid arthritis

Every small effort counts in raising vital awareness for rheumatoid arthritis. Over time, increased understanding and support will make a difference for the millions living with this challenging autoimmune disease.

Rheumatoid Awareness Day serves as an important reminder to keep fighting for a better future until new treatments provide a cure. In the meantime, early diagnosis, proper treatment, support programs, and a caring community help make each day the best it can be for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.