JEDDAH: On Oct. 12 each year, the Kingdom, along with the rest of the globe, marks World Arthritis Day.
An integrated system of awareness campaigns is staged and educational programs on rheumatic diseases designated to patients to help them cope with their illness.
The aim is to highlight the importance of early recognition of arthritis and how it can improve the patient’s life.
The Saudi Society of Rheumatology is engaged in minimizing the risks of the disease while avoiding the occurrence of complications that may lead to permanent disability, deformities and failure of some body organs. These complications may occur in the event of delayed diagnosis. Proper measures should be taken for early detection of rheumatoid arthritis and raising awareness about the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.
Rheumatology consultant Dr. Hanan Alrayes explained how to cope with the disease, from which many elderly suffer, and the importance of early treatment. She discussed the importance of taking into account the psychological state of chronic arthritis patients and introducing them to the impact of the disease on the psychological aspect and associated skin conditions.
Dr. Alrayes also said that this introduction must be held in an interactive medical and cultural environment in the presence of a group of rheumatology, dermatology and psychology consultants.
