World Arthritis Day, recognized on October 12, is a time to raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Arthritis affects an estimated 600 million people across the world. For patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s disease, lupus, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis, the pursuit of remission remains essential to leading healthier, happier lives.
This World Arthritis Day, the Global Remission Coalition is calling on clinicians, health systems and policymakers to recognize that remission is more than a test result or number; it’s also how patients feel.
The Burden of Arthritis
Arthritis is not simply joint pain. The impact can extend well into other areas of individuals’ lives. There are over 100 different variations of arthritis, and the severity of symptoms ranges between conditions and individuals. Stiffness in the fingers to difficulty walking can make everyday tasks – traveling, working or spending time with family and friends – more challenging and affect a person’s ability to maintain their independence. Without the appropriate support, hospital visits, treatment planning and time away from work can quickly become costly, both financially and physically.
Early diagnosis and treatment offer some patients the opportunity to catch symptoms early and regain their independence, easing the burden on them and the health care system.
Prioritizing Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to reducing disease progression and helping individuals with arthritis take control of their symptoms. Recognizing signs of persistent joint pain or decreased range of motion and seeking care early can help reduce the risk of permanent joint damage. Acting within 12 weeks of symptom onset can help individuals take advantage of the therapeutic window, potentially doubling the chances of achieving remission for individuals living with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Recognizing this window also helps decisionmakers understand the need for policies that remove barriers which delay care and instead support patients in pursuing remission.
Redefining Remission
Achieving remission for individuals living with arthritis enables them to take control of their symptoms and reduce the burden of the disease in their daily lives. However, the journey to remission cannot be defined only by what appears in blood tests and X-ray scans. It must also reflect how individuals feel and whether they’re able to maintain their quality of life.
OMERACT, a network of clinical researchers and patient research partners, looked at outcome measures in rheumatology research and found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis named pain, fatigue and independence as the most important factors in remission. When other inflammatory rheumatic disease stakeholders were asked to weigh in, they agreed that these factors – along with other quality of life measures – must make up a patient-centered definition of remission alongside test results.
Arthritis affects each person differently and while clinical measures are important, they do not capture the physical, financial and emotional impacts of living with arthritis. Redefining remission means personalizing it to an individual’s ability to reach their goals, then tailoring remission to help support an individual’s future beyond their condition.
This World Arthritis Day and beyond, the Global Remission Coalition will build on the OMERACT findings and input from patients and advocates to redefine remission as a unique, individual journey – and one that is far more than a number.
The Global Remission Coalition is excited to launch a new website dedicated to World Arthritis Day, which spotlights their campaign, partner activities across the globe and how to get involved. Explore the website now: https://arthritisday.org/.
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