This Saturday, September 12, 2019 is World Rheumatism Day – “World Arthritis Day” in its original version. The opportunity to take stock of these diseases which affect more than 12 million French people, including 30% of 18-24 year olds.
Behind the word “rheumatism” are actually more than 200 different pathologies! Osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis… What do all these diseases have in common? They affect the “connective and supporting tissue of the musculoskeletal system” that is to say the bones, joints and tendons.
In case of rheumatism, a mortality rate potentially doubled
Rheumatic diseases can be separated into two categories: those resulting from an inflammatory process (that is to say: from a disproportionate and inappropriate defensive reaction of the organism) where we find all forms of arthritis as well as scleroderma… and those that are not linked to inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, gout or osteoporosis.
Are rheumatic diseases serious? Yes: according to a study published in 2016 by Inserm, 65% of French people have already had an impact of bone and joint pain on their sleep. For those under 24, more than 1 in 2 young people consider that rheumatism has had an impact on their social and family life. In addition, according to Inserm, “because of the sedentary lifestyle they cause, the mortality rate is increased by 50% when walking is limited by these diseases”.
As soon as the first symptoms appear (a feeling of “stiffness” especially on waking, pain in the joints, a feeling of exhaustion especially after an effort…) it is essential to consult your general practitioner as soon as possible.
Source : Together against rheumatism
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