World Arthritis Day on October 12 is an important day to recognize those living with this chronic illness. First observed in 1996, World Arthritis Day has become a global phenomenon as millions of people around the world come together to raise awareness about arthritis and its impact on so many lives. This inspiring day encourages everyone to have conversations about the disease, get involved in advocacy efforts, and find ways to support those affected by arthritis.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Arthritis Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>World Arthritis Day was first observed in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International to increase global awareness about the impacts of arthritis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>United Nations Involvement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations recognized the campaign, boosting its visibility and impact at a global scale.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Themes Introduced</div><div class='timeline-text'>Yearly themes began to be introduced, such as "Move to Improve," focusing on the importance of physical activity for those with arthritis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Events</div><div class='timeline-text'>Events such as marathons, walkathons and campaign-specific activities were held in various countries, widening the reach of the observance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Social Media Engagement</div><div class='timeline-text'>World Arthritis Day adopted active social media strategies to engage with a wider and younger audience.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Day was observed virtually, with online events and sessions to ensure safety while keeping the momentum going.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Raise awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share informative posts about World Arthritis Day on your social media accounts and encourage people to donate or take part in an arthritis charity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a walk</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sign up for a local arthritis walk and show support for those living with the condition. You can also organize your own walk with family and friends.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser or benefit concert to help raise money for research and treatment of arthritis.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for opportunities to volunteer at organizations that offer support services for people living with arthritis.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take part in a yoga session</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Yoga is an effective way to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and improve overall health. Consider taking a yoga session during World Arthritis Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Arthritis Day helps to raise awareness about the disease and its effects on the body. It encourages people with arthritis to come forward and receive support and guidance from healthcare professionals, as well as family and friends.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Arthritis Day aims to educate people about the various types of arthritis, available treatments, and provide valuable resources for those affected by the condition. By bringing attention to this often invisible illness, we can help reduce damaging stigma and misinformation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Arthritis Day serves as a platform for people living with arthritis to gather together in understanding, compassion, and solidarity. It gives those affected by the condition a chance to build a community of support that can last long after World Arthritis Day has ended.</p></div></div>
World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12 every year. In 2024 World Arthritis Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Oct 12
Thursday
2024
Oct 12
Saturday
2025
Oct 12
Sunday
2026
Oct 12
Monday
2027
Oct 12
Tuesday