World Arthritis Day is observed every year on October 12 to raise awareness about arthritis, a condition that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement in the joints. The theme for 2025, “Achieve Your Dreams,” emphasizes that early diagnosis and timely treatment can help people with arthritis lead active and fulfilling lives. CARE Hospitals observes this day to encourage awareness and proactive care. Arthritis includes over 200 disorders and can affect people of all ages, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout being the most common.

“Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to prevent permanent joint damage. Many patients ignore early signs such as stiffness, swelling, or pain, thinking they are age-related, which can lead to severe complications later,” said Dr. Ajay Kumar Paruchuri, Senior Consultant Orthopedics at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Arthritis can result from age, genetics, obesity, joint injuries, sedentary lifestyle, infections, or metabolic disorders. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, healthy weight management, and an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce severity and improve quality of life.

Managing arthritis often requires physiotherapy, occupational therapy, rheumatology care, pain management, and lifestyle adjustments. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, frequently affects knees, hips, and spine, causing chronic pain and reduced mobility. Mild to moderate cases can benefit from physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, joint supports, and injections. Advanced cases may need joint replacement surgery, which can restore mobility and relieve pain. Emerging procedures like arthroscopy, osteotomy, and cartilage restoration are increasingly used to preserve joint health, while stem cell therapy shows potential.

Arthritis is not only a condition of old age; it can affect anyone. Awareness, early consultation, and timely medical care are key to preventing disability. CARE Hospitals, with 17 facilities across India, provides advanced, patient-focused care, offering treatment, technology, and support to help patients maintain mobility and quality of life.