Rugby rolls it sleeves up to raise awareness of basal joint arthritis

An awareness initiative to be held at French rugby stadiums

The information platform Arthrose-Pouce.com has teamed up with French rugby in the lead-up to World Arthritis Day, to try and raise public awareness of basal joint arthritis.

Events are going to be organised during four key matches in the first two tiers of the French rugby championship (the Top 14 and the Pro D2), to raise the profile of basal joint arthritis, a form of arthritis affecting the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. This condition still suffers from too little public awareness.

4 matches in 4 different cities – 4 opportunities to find out more

Four bastions of French rugby will be taking part in the awareness campaign:

Colomiers (Pro D2, 19 September) – Colomiers Rugby vs Stade Aurillacois
Clermont-Ferrand (Top 14, 20 September) – ASM Clermont vs Section Paloise
Aix-en-Provence (Pro D2, 26 September) – Provence Rugby vs US Dax
Bayonne (Top 14, 28 September) – Aviron Bayonnais vs RC Toulon

There will be a dedicated area at each match, where spectators will be able to exchange experiences and find out more.

Fun and games and opportunities to find out more

A range of activities will be organised to raise awareness in a novel way:

Interactive games, to connect the ways we use our thumbs and the world of rugby;
A quiz to test your knowledge on our hands and rugby;
A collaborative art-work, between the artist and those who attend;
An information stand where you can share your experiences with and receive insights and goodies from the Arthrose-Pouce.com team.

Why do we need to talk about basal joint arthritis?

Basal joint arthritis is a common condition that can make it difficult to perform all sorts of everyday tasks and activities: opening jars, writing, carrying bags, doing up the buttons on a shirt, to name but a few. The right sort of treatment can reduce the pain, though, and improve your quality of life.

The information platform Arthrose-Pouce.com provides clear, well-informed information on:

the symptoms and stages of development of basal joint arthritis;
the various treatment options (braces and splints, physiotherapy, surgery, etc.);
practical advice on how to adapt the way you use your hands on a day-to-day basis;
testimonials from patients and healthcare professionals.

A public awareness campaign

This initiative, combining sport and health, aims to raise the profile of basal thumb arthritis, to complement the prevention and education initiatives for this condition, in an attempt to provide better information and support for all those affected.

Reports about the initiative in the press:

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