World Arthritis Day: Making a Joint Commitment 

Living with Arthritis 

Arthritis isn’t a single disease; it’s a term for more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints, surrounding tissues and other connective tissues. Symptoms vary, but most patients experience joint pain, stiffness, inflammation and reduced quality of life. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are 30% more likely to need help with personal care and twice as likely to face activity limitations. Beyond the physical toll, arthritis also impacts mental health, with RA patients experiencing higher rates of anxiety and depression.   

The prevalence and burden of the condition is growing. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, affects approximately 528 million people worldwide. Rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common, impacts over 17.8 million. Risk factors for RA and other inflammatory rheumatic conditions include genetic and environmental factors, while other forms of arthritis may be linked to age, previous injury, obesity or tobacco use.  

The Power of Early Diagnosis 

Early diagnosis is critical. Still, arthritis is often downplayed by society, leading to delayed care and worse outcomes. Because the disease is common, associated with aging and sometimes presents with “invisible” symptoms, it frequently goes undetected until damage has already set in.  

Patients should seek medical care as soon as symptoms appear to avoid permanent joint damage. Acting within 12 weeks of symptom onset, known as the “therapeutic window of opportunity” can double the chances of achieving remission in people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as RA and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). While treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis, the advantages of early intervention remain the same.  

Treatment usually focuses on pain relief, maintaining joint mobility and improving strength. Options may include rest, physical therapy, moderate exercise, or – in more advanced cases – surgery. Every patient is different. Patients should consult their clinician to determine the best course of treatment for them.    

The Value of Pursuing Remission 

World Arthritis Day is an opportunity to amplify the value of pursuing remission for arthritis patients. Remission refers to the disappearance of disease signs and symptoms. While not every patient can achieve it, remission offers hope and a concrete target for care.   

The benefits of remission are substantial. RA patients in remission report less pain and fatigue, improved mental health, greater financial stability and a quicker return to normal routines and social activities. Work productivity can also increase by 35%-75% when remission is reached.   

To help more patients experience these benefits, health care leaders and policymakers should build awareness around the burden of arthritis, support early diagnosis and timely treatment and prioritize the pursuit of remission. 

For more information on World Arthritis Day, visit The Arthritis Foundation. To learn about the value of remission, explore the Global Remission Coalition’s resources.