World Arthritis Day (WAD) is a global campaign led by Arthritis and Rheumatism International and EULAR PARE. This year’s theme, ‘Don’t Delay, Connect Today’, reflects the progressive nature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). If not treated quickly and appropriately, people with these conditions can suffer permanent joint damage which can worsen over time. The 2017 theme for the day therefore aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, along with timely access to appropriate treatment to limit the damage caused by these conditions and preserve the quality of life of people living with them.

RA is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition that is characterised by pain, joint swelling, stiffness and loss of function¹ ; it can lead to permanent disability and increased mortality². PsA is a long-term autoimmune disease that includes two kinds of symptoms — both joint and skin inflammation³. Both are progressive and can cause permanent joint damage⁴.

For more information about Janssen in this therapeutic area please go to our immunology section.

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¹Suresh E. Diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis: what the non-specialist needs to know. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 2004;97(9):421-424.  

²Kavuncu, V., Evcik, D. Physiotherapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Medscape General Medicine. 2004;6(2):3. 

³Shiel WC, Driver CB. Psoriatic Arthritis Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment & Prognosis. MedicineNet.com. Available from: http://www.medicinenet.com/psoriatic_arthritis/article.htm. Last accessed June 2017.

⁴ National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriatic Arthritis. Available from: www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis. Last accessed: June 2017.