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Arthritis is one of the most common yet misunderstood health concerns affecting millions of people across the world. Every year, World Arthritis Day, observed on 12th October, is a reminder that joint health deserves attention at every stage of life. In 2025, the theme “It’s in your hands, take action” urges communities, healthcare professionals, and individuals to work together in preventing, detecting, and managing arthritis more effectively.
This year’s focus is not just about understanding arthritis in adults but also about spreading awareness of juvenile arthritis, a condition often overlooked in children and teenagers. At Manipal Hospital Patiala, rheumatology teams play a key role in helping patients manage arthritis, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.
Synopsis
- Understanding Arthritis: More Than Joint Pain
- Why World Arthritis Day 2025 Matters
- The 2025 Theme: “It’s in Your Hands, Take Action”
- The Overlooked Side: Juvenile Arthritis
- Joint Health in Everyday Life
- How Manipal Hospital Patiala Supports Arthritis Care
- Why Cities Like Patiala Need Awareness
- How You Can Take Action on World Arthritis Day 2025
- Looking Ahead
Understanding Arthritis: More Than Joint Pain
When most people hear the word “arthritis,” they immediately think of elderly individuals with painful knees or stiff fingers. However, arthritis is not one single disease. It is actually a group of over 200 rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, ranging from osteoarthritis (caused by wear and tear of cartilage) to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
These conditions share a common feature: inflammation of joints and surrounding tissues. The impact can be severe, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In some cases, untreated arthritis may even cause permanent joint damage or disability.
Why World Arthritis Day 2025 Matters
The importance of World Arthritis Day 2025 lies in recognising arthritis as a global health challenge. According to global estimates, hundreds of millions of people live with some form of arthritis, and many remain undiagnosed.
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Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
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It affects people of all ages, including children and young adults.
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Lack of awareness often leads to delayed diagnosis, which worsens outcomes.
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Early treatment through rheumatology specialists can prevent long-term damage.
By dedicating a day to arthritis awareness, the world comes together to encourage early intervention, improve research, and provide support to patients and caregivers.
The 2025 Theme: “It’s in Your Hands, Take Action”
The 2025 campaign theme underlines a powerful message: we all can act. Whether it is adopting joint-friendly lifestyle habits, supporting someone in pain, or spreading awareness through social media, every small effort counts.
One of the most visible parts of this year’s campaign is the #WADHigh5 initiative, where people across the world raise their hands for a photo to symbolise unity and action against arthritis. Communities, hospitals, and patient groups are encouraged to share these images to spark conversation and break the stigma around joint conditions.
The Overlooked Side: Juvenile Arthritis
While arthritis is often associated with aging, children can suffer from it. World Juvenile Arthritis Day, marked every year on 18th March, focuses on children and young people living with rheumatic diseases.
Juvenile arthritis is frequently misunderstood as “growing pains” or mistaken for sports injuries. However, the symptoms are more serious and include:
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Persistent joint pain and swelling
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Morning stiffness or limping
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Unexplained fevers
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Fatigue and irritability
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Slower growth or developmental delays
Raising awareness about juvenile arthritis is essential so that children receive timely medical care. Paediatric rheumatology, combined with physiotherapy and lifestyle support, can help children live healthier, more active lives.
Joint Health in Everyday Life
Maintaining healthy joints is not just for people who already have arthritis. Prevention and early care are equally important. Here are some everyday steps recommended by doctors and physiotherapists:
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Stay Active: Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, or cycling strengthen muscles around joints.
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Watch Your Weight: Excess body weight puts unnecessary pressure on knees and hips.
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Eat for Your Joints: A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants supports joint and bone health.
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Ergonomic Care: Good posture at workstations and regular breaks during long hours of sitting prevent stiffness.
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Avoid Smoking & Excess Alcohol: Both increase inflammation and may worsen arthritis symptoms.
How Manipal Hospital Patiala Supports Arthritis Care
At Manipal Hospital Patiala, the rheumatology department provides comprehensive care for arthritis patients. The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients not only receive diagnosis and medication but also access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietary guidance, and pain management.
The hospital also emphasises patient education, teaching individuals and families how to manage flare-ups, exercise safely, and recognise warning signs that need medical attention. With advanced diagnostic facilities and experienced specialists, Manipal Hospital Patiala is committed to improving the quality of life for people with arthritis and related conditions.
For families dealing with juvenile arthritis, the hospital extends specialised paediatric care, ensuring children can enjoy school, play, and social life without feeling left behind due to joint pain.
Why Cities Like Patiala Need Awareness
In fast-growing cities like Patiala, lifestyle changes have contributed to an increase in arthritis cases. Sedentary jobs, lack of exercise, and rising obesity levels are all factors.
Additionally, many people still associate joint pain only with ageing and do not seek help until the condition worsens.
Awareness campaigns during World Arthritis Day 2025 can help change this mindset by:
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Encouraging early doctor visits for persistent joint pain
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Organising free screening camps in public spaces
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Involving schools to educate about juvenile arthritis
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Promoting community fitness and wellness programmes
How You Can Take Action on World Arthritis Day 2025
Whether you are living with arthritis or simply want to support the cause, here are a few ways to contribute:
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Learn & Share: Educate yourself and others about arthritis and its symptoms.
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Participate in Campaigns: Share a #WADHigh5 photo to show solidarity.
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Encourage Screening: Motivate family and friends with persistent joint pain to consult a doctor.
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Support Children: Raise awareness of juvenile arthritis in schools and parent groups.
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Adopt Healthy Habits: Take care of your own joints through regular activity and balanced nutrition.
Looking Ahead
World Arthritis Day 2025 is more than just a date; it is a global movement that reminds us that joint health cannot be ignored. With the right awareness, early intervention, and comprehensive care, people living with arthritis can lead active, fulfilling lives.
At Manipal Hospital Patiala, the commitment to joint health continues every day of the year, not just on World Arthritis Day. By combining medical expertise, advanced facilities, and patient-centred care, the hospital stands as a reliable partner for individuals and families affected by arthritis.
So, this October, raise your hand for arthritis awareness. Because joint health is truly in your hands, and together, we can make a difference.
FAQ's
World Arthritis Day is observed every year on 12th October to raise global awareness about arthritis and related rheumatic diseases. In 2025, the theme “It’s in Your Hands, Take Action” encourages people to take proactive steps towards joint health.
No. Arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. Conditions like juvenile arthritis cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in children and teenagers, which is why awareness on World Juvenile Arthritis Day (18th March) is equally important.
Common signs include persistent joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility, and unexplained fatigue. In children, symptoms may appear as limping or slow growth. Early consultation with a rheumatologist is crucial.
You can protect your joints by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a nutrient-rich diet (calcium, vitamin D, omega-3), practicing good posture, and avoiding smoking or excess alcohol. Regular screenings are also recommended.
At Manipal Hospital Patiala, the rheumatology team provides advanced diagnostics, medical treatment, physiotherapy, pain management, and dietary counselling. Specialised care for juvenile arthritis is also available, helping both children and adults live active, healthier lives.
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