World Osteoarthritis Day: More than 595 million people are already affected worldwide

• 17 September marks World Osteoarthritis Day, a day promoted by several European patient associations to focus on the need for further research and awareness of the disease.

On the occasion of World Osteoarthritis Day, OAFI reinforces its commitment to the fight against this disease, which affects more than 595 million people globally, including more than 7 million in Spain.

OAFI FOUNDATION: OUR COMMITMENT TO OSTEOARTHRITIS AND OSTEOPOROSIS PATIENTS

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease and represents the second leading cause of disability in many countries, including Spain. Despite its impact, osteoarthritis is still underestimated and misunderstood. Erroneous beliefs persist, such as that ‘there is nothing to be done’ or that ‘it is a disease exclusive to the elderly’. From the first signs, such as joint pain, early diagnosis is crucial to slow its progression and improve patients’ quality of life.

‘Osteoarthritis causes a loss of 8 years of life due to premature death’ warns Dr. Josep Vergés, president of OAFI. ‘Our mission is to improve the quality of life of patients by offering tools to proactively manage the disease and break the vicious circle of pain and inactivity.

OAFI’s main goal is to help patients better manage their pain, which will enable them to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and play a more efficient role in their health. OAFI also works to disseminate non-pharmacological treatments, such as adapted physical exercise, proper nutrition and pain management techniques, which should be integrated with pharmacological treatments to address the most severe inflammation and pain crises.

In collaboration with healthcare professionals in Spain and other countries, OAFI is developing educational programmes and organising studies and projects to better understand the needs of osteoarthritis patients. ‘Our goal is to provide up-to-date and reliable information on the latest medical innovations so that patients can manage their disease effectively, with the support of a multidisciplinary team,’ states Dr. Vergés.

OAFI calls on health authorities and society at large to advance research and improve the therapeutic options available to treat osteoarthritis. ‘We must underline the urgency of making progress in the management of pain and inflammation, which profoundly affects the quality of life of millions of people,’ concludes the OAFI president.

Promoting partnership and social recognition with a World Day

The World Osteoarthritis Day is an initiative promoted by the European organisation Fondation Arthrose (Bélgica), with the support of various patient associations such as AFLAR, Association Française de Lutte AntiRhumatismale (Francia), OAFI and AECOSAR, who have established 17 September as an official day to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people, emphasising the need to continue to research, advocate and support those living with osteoarthritis.

OAFI and AECOSAR

are national and international non-profit organisations based in Spain, whose main mission is to promote the rights and responsibilities of people suffering from diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia and other osteoarticular pathologies.

Remember that if you have a joint condition, or know someone who does, we encourage you to join OAFI and/or AECOSAR through our websites or by calling: AECOSAR at 0034) 914312258, OAFI at 0034) 931594015.

Imagen de Gerd Altmann en Pixabay