A joint effort for timely care
Every year on October 12, people from around the world join together to raise awareness of arthritis, a disease that affects millions of individuals across the globe. Arthritis is a personal and social timebomb which society has to confront.
It is likely that everyone will, at some time, suffer from a problem related to the musculoskeletal system, ranging from a very common problem such as osteoarthritis or back pain to severely disabling limb trauma or rheumatoid arthritis. Many musculoskeletal problems are chronic conditions. The most common symptoms are pain and disability, with an impact not only on individuals' quality of life but also, importantly, on people's ability to earn a living and be independent.
World Arthritis Day is commemorated every year on October 12 and kicks off the Bone and Joint Decade action week, an initiative of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation which will run until 2010.
The Maltese Society for Rheumatology, which was formed last February aims to "promote a high standard of rheumatology practice by increasing awareness and knowledge as well as means of prevention and treatment of arthritis and rheumatism."
The society's president, Prof. Carmel Mallia described the local activities planned for this year's World Arthritis Day celebrations: A symposium aimed at the medical community is being held at Mater Dei Hospital from 8.30 a.m. to 3.40 p.m. today. A second morning symposium aimed at patients and their families is being held at Mater Dei Hospital tomorrow between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The subjects that will be discussed are the problem of arthritis, self-management of arthritis, the physiotherapist and arthritis, patient perspectives and the Association of Arthritis and Rheumatism.
In addition to the symposia, an educational campaign among schoolchildren has already kicked off. Children aged between 10 and 13 will be shown three short video clips of patients with arthritis and then asked to produce drawings illustrating how they were affected by the clips. The clips have been prepared by the patient association known as Patients with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe (PARE).
• Anybody interested in contacting the Maltese Society for Rheumatology may e-mail the secretary, Karen Cassar Bowman on kbowman@onvol.net or at the society's address 7, Triq il-Kannizzata, Balzan BZN 1701.
Small things matter
Small things matter is the theme chosen for this year's World Arthritis Day. Although arthritis and rheumatism affect around one in four members of the population, the general attitude has been, and to some extent still is, that the conditions are a natural consequence of aging.
While symptoms vary from one arthritic condition to another, two traits are common to all types of arthritis and rheumatism - pain and decreased mobility. Pain relief is often obtained through physical or occupational therapy and various forms of medication.
The extent to which one's mobility is hampered depends on which part of the body is affected, for example if the hand is involved previously simple tasks will eventually become impossible. The impaired grip, wrists, elbows and shoulders will make such everyday tasks as washing, grooming and even eating more of a challenge.
The problem with arthritis and rheumatism is that they are chronic problems. When children are struck with the conditions, they quickly realise that they are more restricted than their peers while long periods of hospitalisation can impact badly on their education.
Adults must grapple with concerns, possible financial consequences of losing their job, while the elderly lose their independence and can become isolated as a result. These ongoing difficulties can lead to anxiety, depression and frustration.
Arthritis and rheumatism - an overview
Osteoarthritis
Caused by the breakdown of the cartilage (protective tissue) in the joints causing inflammation when the unprotected bones start to rub together. It generally affects fingers, knees, hips and the spine but may also affect wrists, elbows, shoulders and ankles. The disease has a gradual onset and in the early stages joints may ache after physical exertion. In time sufferers experience a steady or intermittent pain in a joint accompanied by swelling or tenderness.
Rheumatoid arthritis
A condition caused by the inflammation of the lining of the joints. The affected joint may lose its shape leading to loss of normal movement. It can also affect blood, lungs and heart. The joints feel tender, stiff and swollen. Symptoms may last for long periods of time or may flare up intermittently.
How to improve your life
• Do exercise. Physical activity and exercise are important to improve fitness and strengthen muscles around the joints.
• Don't stop moving. Inactivity can lead to stiffening joints and compound the problem.
• Do watch your weight. Excessive weight puts a greater burden on the back, hips, knees, ankles and feet. It also increases the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Don't smoke or drink too much alcohol. Either of these habits puts you at increased risk of developing low bone density and osteoporosis.
• Do eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grain products and oily fish. Supplements of calcium and Vitamin D are thought to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
• Avoid protein-rich foods if you suffer from gout as they are thought to precipitate arthritis attacks.
• Do follow your management plan. Failure to do so is the highest cause of treatment failure.
World Arthritis Day is commemorated every year on October 12 and kicks off the Bone and Joint Decade action week, an initiative of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation which will run until 2010.
The Maltese Society for Rheumatology, which was formed last February aims to "promote a high standard of rheumatology practice by increasing awareness and knowledge as well as means of prevention and treatment of arthritis and rheumatism."
The society's president, Prof. Carmel Mallia described the local activities planned for this year's World Arthritis Day celebrations: A symposium aimed at the medical community is being held at Mater Dei Hospital from 8.30 a.m. to 3.40 p.m. today. A second morning symposium aimed at patients and their families is being held at Mater Dei Hospital tomorrow between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The subjects that will be discussed are the problem of arthritis, self-management of arthritis, the physiotherapist and arthritis, patient perspectives and the Association of Arthritis and Rheumatism.
In addition to the symposia, an educational campaign among schoolchildren has already kicked off. Children aged between 10 and 13 will be shown three short video clips of patients with arthritis and then asked to produce drawings illustrating how they were affected by the clips. The clips have been prepared by the patient association known as Patients with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe (PARE).
• Anybody interested in contacting the Maltese Society for Rheumatology may e-mail the secretary, Karen Cassar Bowman on kbowman@onvol.net or at the society's address 7, Triq il-Kannizzata, Balzan BZN 1701.
Small things matter
Small things matter is the theme chosen for this year's World Arthritis Day. Although arthritis and rheumatism affect around one in four members of the population, the general attitude has been, and to some extent still is, that the conditions are a natural consequence of aging.
While symptoms vary from one arthritic condition to another, two traits are common to all types of arthritis and rheumatism - pain and decreased mobility. Pain relief is often obtained through physical or occupational therapy and various forms of medication.
The extent to which one's mobility is hampered depends on which part of the body is affected, for example if the hand is involved previously simple tasks will eventually become impossible. The impaired grip, wrists, elbows and shoulders will make such everyday tasks as washing, grooming and even eating more of a challenge.
The problem with arthritis and rheumatism is that they are chronic problems. When children are struck with the conditions, they quickly realise that they are more restricted than their peers while long periods of hospitalisation can impact badly on their education.
Adults must grapple with concerns, possible financial consequences of losing their job, while the elderly lose their independence and can become isolated as a result. These ongoing difficulties can lead to anxiety, depression and frustration.
Arthritis and rheumatism - an overview
Osteoarthritis
Caused by the breakdown of the cartilage (protective tissue) in the joints causing inflammation when the unprotected bones start to rub together. It generally affects fingers, knees, hips and the spine but may also affect wrists, elbows, shoulders and ankles. The disease has a gradual onset and in the early stages joints may ache after physical exertion. In time sufferers experience a steady or intermittent pain in a joint accompanied by swelling or tenderness.
Rheumatoid arthritis
A condition caused by the inflammation of the lining of the joints. The affected joint may lose its shape leading to loss of normal movement. It can also affect blood, lungs and heart. The joints feel tender, stiff and swollen. Symptoms may last for long periods of time or may flare up intermittently.
How to improve your life
• Do exercise. Physical activity and exercise are important to improve fitness and strengthen muscles around the joints.
• Don't stop moving. Inactivity can lead to stiffening joints and compound the problem.
• Do watch your weight. Excessive weight puts a greater burden on the back, hips, knees, ankles and feet. It also increases the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Don't smoke or drink too much alcohol. Either of these habits puts you at increased risk of developing low bone density and osteoporosis.
• Do eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grain products and oily fish. Supplements of calcium and Vitamin D are thought to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
• Avoid protein-rich foods if you suffer from gout as they are thought to precipitate arthritis attacks.
• Do follow your management plan. Failure to do so is the highest cause of treatment failure.