Although it affects at least 240 million people worldwide (4 million in Italy alone) and is constantly growing, the symptoms of osteoarthritis are still often overlooked, delaying diagnosis. For this reason Ibsa Italy launches today the national awareness campaign “Not a Good Moarning?”, with the patronage of Anmar OdV – National Association of Rheumatic Patients, aimed at highlighting the often underestimated symptoms of osteoarthritis and promoting greater awareness of this pathology.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic and degenerative condition that affects the joints, causing their progressive failure and in Italy it affects over 4 million people, mainly over 50, but can also affect younger subjects due to trauma or deformity. In the coming years – reports a note – it is also expected a significant increase in cases, with an estimated 6 million Italians between 45 and 74 years old affected by osteoarthritis by 2028; this increasing trend is attributable to various factors, including the aging of the population and changing lifestyles, with the habit of being sedentary or, on the contrary, excessively intense physical activity which can have negative effects on health articulate.
“It is essential to recognize the warning signs of osteoarthritis early to arrive at a timely diagnosis and start effective treatment – he states Mario Vetranoassociate professor of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at the Sapienza University of Rome – Learning to listen to your body is essential to prevent the progression of joint damage and promptly contacting your doctor, intervening in the early stages of the disease, can significantly improve well-being and patient’s quality of life”.
The “Not a Good Moarning” campaign – the note reports – focuses precisely on the not immediately recognizable symptoms of osteoarthritis. One of these, often ignored, is the morning stiffness that patients experience after periods of prolonged inactivity and which the campaign symbolically represented through a statue depicting a “petrified” woman as she gets up from the sofa in the early hours of the morning. Through this installation, which will be positioned in Piazza XXV Aprile in Milan from 9 to 12 May, the campaign aims to bring attention to this issue by raising citizens’ awareness of the daily challenges and limitations caused by osteoarthritis: often the first manifestations of pain, stiffness or difficulty walking occur during common activities such as dressing, washing, putting on shoes or going to the supermarket.
Next to the statue, there will be information totems that will provide information on the pathology and, through a QR Code, you will be directed to a landing page dedicated to the campaign where further information and materials on osteoarthritis, its risk factors, diagnosis will be available , lifestyle and exercise recommendations that can help manage this condition, as well as updates on the campaign and subsequent appointments.
“In addition to the recognition of symptoms, it is also important to raise awareness of the need to promote appropriate diagnostic-therapeutic pathways, which involve multiple specialists in the multidisciplinary management of the patient, including the rheumatologist, the physiatrist and the orthopedist for a disabling pathology such as ‘osteoarthritis – he underlines Silvia Tonolo, president of Anmar OdV – Just think that over 15% of visits to the general practitioner are due to osteoarthritis to understand the extent of the problem. The psychological impact of the disease should not be forgotten either, which affects not only the patient’s quality of life, but also his social and family relationships. The limitation of daily activities can generate nervousness and depression and require a redefinition of life goals. This is why it is crucial to spread awareness about osteoarthritis with awareness campaigns such as Not a Good Moarning?”.
Although there is no definitive cure for osteoarthritis, today there are various therapeutic options to better manage the pathology and live an active life. “The treatment of osteoarthritis – he explains Andrea Reggiani, Founding member of the National Association of Interventional Physiatry (Anfi) – is based on a gradual and flexible approach, which aims to control pain and slow down the joint degenerative process. International guidelines provide for different therapeutic steps, depending on the severity of the disease, ranging from pharmacological treatment with anti-inflammatories to hyaluronic acid infiltrations, up to prosthetic replacement in the most serious cases. In parallel, following a correct lifestyle through a balanced diet and constant and balanced physical activity is essential to improve the quality of life and the well-being of the joints.”
Ibsa – concludes the note – has historically been committed to the osteoarticular field to develop innovative therapeutic approaches, with particular attention to osteoarthritis, one of the main causes of disability globally. Through the “Not a Good Moarning?” campaign Ibsa’s commitment goes beyond research, promoting correct information and awareness, in collaboration with Anmar, with the aim of contributing to improving the quality of life of people living with this condition.
After leaving Milan, the campaign will continue with stops in Rome from 8 to 11 June and in Naples from 14 to 17 June. For further information on the campaign and insights relating to osteoarthritis: www.infoartrosi.it
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