Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week – What You Need to Know

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Week takes place between September 13th and 19th. It is an annual event focused on raising awareness about this serious condition and exploring ways to improve the lives of those who suffer from it, as well as their families. 

The event is run by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) and gives supporters an opportunity to help raise awareness of the condition in several ways. This includes asking those who have it to share their stories with others as well as activities focused on information sharing.

What Is RA?

RA is a serious autoimmune disease that affects joints. It is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints as the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. Sufferers may experience symptoms that increase in severity, which can also affect the body’s organs, as well as the hands, feet and wrists. 

There’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will enable many people to enjoy long periods free of pain. 

The main treatment options for RA include medicine to relieve symptoms and slow the progress of the condition, as well as treatments and therapies aimed at maintaining flexibility. 

This condition only affects around 1% of the population and therefore many are unaware of what it is and how it impacts people’s lives. Others may believe the condition is the same as arthritis and therefore may approach it in the wrong way. 

What Happens During Awareness Week    

During Rheumatoid Awareness Day, individuals are encouraged to raise awareness of the condition in their immediate circles and more widely on social media, if they are inclined to do so. Whether it’s at work or with close friends and family, discussing this condition and its impact on people can help society as a whole to understand how it functions and what role it plays in people’s lives.

Support for RA

Various supportive treatments, such as physiotherapy and bodywork therapies, may be able to help individuals maintain mobility and manage problems that result from RA. Activities aimed at supporting overall health, fitness and wellbeing may also help sufferers, who can significantly manage the condition and lead normal lives for often long stretches of time between flare-ups.  If you’re looking for acupuncture in London that might be able to alleviate some of the effects of RA, feel free to give us a call. We may be able to supplement your existing health plan with our services.