The Social Organ

  Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day: Understanding the Chronic Condition Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. On the second Thursday of February, people come together to raise awareness about RA and the impact it has on those living with it. This year, Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day falls on February 10th, 2023. RA is a complex disease that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. The immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Over time, this chronic inflammation can cause damage to the joints, making it difficult for those with RA to perform daily tasks and leading to disability. RA is not just limited to the joints, it can also affect other parts of the body such as the eyes, skin, heart, and lungs. In fact, many people with RA experience extra-articular manifestations, which means they experience symptoms outside of the join...