It’s in your hands, take action: protect your joints! SINPAIN partners raise awareness for World Arthritis Day 2025

October 12 marks World Arthritis Day, an occasion to raise awareness about arthritis and musculoskeletal health. This year, the SINPAIN consortium joined the global movement with a campaign encouraging people to take action for their joint health. Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common forms of arthritis, affects millions of people worldwide and remains a leading cause of disability. Yet, small changes in daily routines can make a big difference in protecting joint health and preventing or slowing the progression of OA. To highlight this, members of the SINPAIN consortium pledged to integrate simple, joint-friendly activities into their daily lives. The campaign demonstrates how scientific knowledge can translate into practical, everyday actions for better health.

At the project partners Universität des Saarlandes, OZ Biosciences, and Reykjavik University, team members pledged to practice yoga every morning for one week. Yoga is a low-impact activity that improves flexibility, balance, and muscle strength, essential for maintaining healthy joints. Many poses strengthen the stabilising muscles around the knees, hips, and shoulders, helping to protect the joints from wear and injury. In addition, the mindful and relaxing nature of yoga can help reduce stress and inflammation, both of which play a role in osteoarthritis progression.

At the AO Research Institute Davos and Asphalion, S.L., colleagues pledged to use a standing desk for one hour each day. Modern work often involves long periods of sitting, which can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Using a standing desk encourages regular posture changes and small movements, which keep joints active and lubricated. It also engages core and back muscles, helping to distribute weight more evenly and reduce stress on the hips and knees.

Colleagues from EURICE – European Research and Project Office GmbH pledged to go for a 15-minute walk every day during the campaign week. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support joint health. It stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which nourishes and cushions cartilage, and strengthens the muscles that stabilise the knees and hips. Regular walking also helps maintain flexibility and reduces stiffness, while promoting overall physical and mental wellbeing.

Colleagues from AO Research Institute Davos and EURICE also pledged to take the stairs instead of the elevator throughout the week. Climbing stairs is a weight-bearing activity that strengthens the major muscle groups of the legs and hips, improving stability and supporting joint structures. It also boosts circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach the tissues that keep joints healthy and resilient.

Through this campaign, the SINPAIN consortium demonstrated that small, consistent behavioural changes can have a meaningful impact on joint health. Regular movement, balanced posture, healthy nutrition, and proper hydration are essential for keeping joints strong and reducing the risk of osteoarthritis. For those already living with OA, these same actions can help manage pain, improve mobility, and slow disease progression.