Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week 2022

This entry was posted in General September 13, 2022

Rheumatoid Arthritis also known as RA is an auto-immune disease that mainly attacks the synovial tissues within the joints. While many other individuals face pain, limited mobility, and other challenges related to arthritis, there's still so much to be learned about this condition. 

To help raise awareness, Ableworld is joining other healthcare organisations to recognise Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week this September. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Week 2022 takes place between 13th and 19th September, and is an annual event to raise awareness of the condition. 

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

RA is a systemic disease, which means it can affect the whole body. It can attack organs such as the heart, the lungs, or other tissues like muscles, cartilages and ligaments. RA causes chronic swelling and pain that is sometimes severe. The condition is seen in women more than men, and affects approximately 1% of the UK population. It's a hidden disability, meaning that people do not always realise that sufferers are living with the disease. It can affect people of any age, and can either have an early onset, in teenage years or start at any time in an adult's life.

What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The onset symptoms of RA include small joints like your fingers and toes are warm, stiff or swollen. These symptoms might come and go and you may think its nothing. Rheumatoid Arthritis flare-ups can last just a few days or a few weeks before they disappear again. 

Did you know?

• Out of every 100,000 people, 71 are diagnosed with RA every year
• Women are two-to-three times more likely to get RA than men
• Risks of heart attack or strokes increase by 60% one year after diagnosis

For many, increased physical activity can improve functioning and reduce pain by up to 40%. It's recommended that adults with arthritis should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week or about 30 minutes of brisk walks, five days a week. For those who cannot walk for 30 minutes, short 10-minute walks throughout the day also help.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Week is a great time to learn more about arthritis, how it affects the people in your life and what can be done to support them. At Ableworld, we have numerous supports available that are designed to help limit pain for those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Please click here to find out more, or if you're in need of support and struggling to deal with the affects arthritis is having on your life please get in touch with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. 

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