Every year on October 12, World Arthritis Day raises awareness about the millions of people living with arthritis and related joint conditions. In Canada alone, more than 6 million people are affected by some form of arthritis. The most common include osteoarthritis, caused by deterioration of cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, an immune-mediated condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own joints. Psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are also part of the arthritis family, driven by immune cells moving to joints and causing inflammation.
While arthritis cannot always be prevented, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact joint health and overall quality of life. Staying active, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can all help reduce risk and ease symptoms.
But before we mark World Arthritis Day, World Mental Health Day (October 10) reminds us that mental and physical health go hand-in-hand. Chronic pain can affect mood and sleep, while stress and anxiety can worsen physical symptoms. It’s important to care for both—by staying active within your limits, reaching out for emotional support, and talking openly with your healthcare team about how arthritis affects your overall well-being.
This week is a chance to raise your voice, learn, and show support for those living with chronic conditions. Whether it’s joining an awareness event, reading resources available on Arthritis Society Canada, or simply checking in on a loved one, every action helps move toward a future where joint and mental health are equally prioritized.
Joyce Ayad is a pharmacist at Charlton Health, who believes in providing patient-focused care, supported by her previous experience working with specialty drugs, the pharmaceutical industry, and more.