Things You Need to Know About Arthritis

Arthritis is not a single disease but a broad term for more than a hundred diseases related to joints. Among the long list of diseases considered to be in the arthritis family are chronic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, gout, lupus, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can cause swelling in or around a joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and sometimes difficulty moving. For conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, there is no cure, although regular exercise and weight reduction can suppress the effects.

History and Significance of World Arthritis Day

World Arthritis Day was first observed in 1996.The day provides an opportunity for all communities, everywhere, to come together and to find a common voice to help bring the much-needed message to all audiences.

On this day campaigns are launched around arthritis and awareness is created on the timely diagnosis and management strategies.

Getein Arthritis Diagnostic Solution

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test measures the amount of rheumatoid factor (RF) in your blood. Rheumatoid factors are proteins produced by the immune system. Normally, the immune system attacks disease-causing substances like viruses and bacteria.

A CCP antibody test is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. It's often done along with or after a rheumatoid factor (RF) test.  Many studies have shown that CCP antibodies provide a more accurate diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis compared with RF testing.

Anti-Streptolysin O is the antibody made against streptolysin O. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can have markedly elevated ASO, and the titer of ASO can increase progressively as the disease worsens, and this antibody can gradually decrease as the disease recovers. Thus, high ASO levels are a distinctive feature of rheumatoid arthritis.

We all aim for a healthy life and therefore, we must not neglect the early signs of arthritis. Let us make the occasion of World Arthritis Day a perfect one by joining hands against this disease that leaves us with only pain and sadness.