Help Us Raise Awareness on World Arthritis Day
Arthritis is a serious issue that affects millions around the globe. It is often an "invisible disease," so people with arthritis don't always "look" or "act" sick. Unfortunately, this can create misunderstanding and isolation from friends and family, putting an additional stress and emotional toll on those living with the disease. Though it might not be visible, the pain people with arthritis live with is very real.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions, and these conditions can be debilitating, life-altering and life-threatening. On World Arthritis Day, we’re committed to raising awareness not only of the breadth of arthritis, but also of the seriousness of the disease.
Join our cause today, and help us raise awareness by following us on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram and sharing the arthritis-related facts and images we’re posting. Or, share your personal arthritis story, on social media. Tag us and use the hashtag #WorldArthritisDay on Twitter and Instagram so we can see your post. Together, we can make a difference!
Arthritis Fast Facts
- Arthritis impacts more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S. and 120 million people in the European Union, making it the leading cause of disability in the western world.
- Arthritis accounts for nearly 1 million hospitalizations each year.
- Among adults with arthritis, nearly half (47 percent) have at least one other disease or condition.
- Arthritis and other non-traumatic joint disorders are among the five most costly conditions among adults 18 and older.
- People with arthritis or a rheumatic condition lose more workdays every year due to illness or injury than adults with any other medical condition.
About World Arthritis Day
World Arthritis Day (WAD) was established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) as a global initiative to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). This year’s theme,“The Future In Your Hands,” is meant to inspire people around the world to take action every day to live their lives to the fullest despite arthritis. To join the movement, share your personal arthritis story on social media using the hashtag #WADStory. Learn more about this initiative here .