Color the World Orange Day – November 7, 2022, history, significance
The first Monday of November is Color the World Orange Day, on November 7 this year. This day is dedicated to creating awareness for an illness that is still poorly misunderstood, providing support to those affected, and educating the world about its existence.
HISTORY OF COLOR THE WORLD ORANGE DAY
Color the World Orange Day stands at the front of creating awareness and educating the larger population about a rare condition, but not uncommon, primarily among society’s middle-aged members of society. On this day, the medical profession stands with the people affected, and the day pushes the whole world to understand, sympathize, and take action where possible.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, also classified as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a neurological discomfort that includes heightened nerve impulses in a specific body site. Medical specialists speculate that the condition is a result of a dysfunction in the central nervous system.
An injury to the leg or hand can also bring on the syndrome. A triggering of the immune response can cause injury-related CRPS, which may lead to symptoms such as redness and swelling in the affected area. It is thus believed that this may represent a disruption of the healing process.
In history, several medical bodies and independent doctors have tasked themselves with understanding the causes and treatment for this syndrome. Presently, there is no cure for this disorder, so the goal is to relieve painful symptoms associated with the disorder. Methods include psychotherapy, physical therapy, and drug treatment.
COLOR THE WORLD ORANGE DAY TIMELINE
1812
First Known Situation
A British surgeon publishes a case report of a soldier wounded by a bullet on his upper arm.
1864
“Gunshot Wounds and Other Injuries”
During WWI, three doctors highlight a diagnosis and treatment of nerve damage.
1973
International Association for the Study of Pain
This year marks the creation of an international system focusing on the different aspects of pain.
1993
Better Nomenclature
A consensus in Florida coins the name Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to avoid misuse of previous terms and underlying symptoms.
HOW TO CELEBRATE COLOR THE WORLD ORANGE DAY
Wear orange
Celebrate this day by simply wearing orange. Take a picture and upload it, tell people why you are wearing orange, and include the official hashtags for the day to create as much engagement as possible.
Read about CRPS
Use this day to learn about the symptoms and treatments of CRPS, find out more about the topic, and engage others online, at home, or in school. You will learn a lot and also convey information to others.
Donate
You can donate to any fundraising for research on CRPS by either purchasing something from any affiliate of Color the World Orange website or by donating directly.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME
CRPS affects the middle-aged
Contrary to popular belief, it does not affect the elderly.
Long-term signs
Symptoms of this syndrome can last for months or years if not identified.
CRPS and women
Statistically, women are more affected by this than men.
Rumored to cause permanent disability
Untreated symptoms that last up to a year can cause impairments.
Early treatment
Treatment is likely to be effective if started early in the course of the illness.
WHY COLOR THE WORLD ORANGE DAY IS IMPORTANT
Provide support
This day allows us to support those with CRPS, reminding them that they are not alone. It provides comfort, encouragement, and financial assistance. We can listen to their stories, even if we do not quite understand the pain they experience.
Create and increase awareness
With various activities like fundraising, educational events, walks, and much more, the day strives to create and increase awareness on all levels and call for action.
An opportunity to raise funds
We love the opportunity to donate to further research on CRPS. Funds raised are also sometimes used for patients who are financially unable to afford medication and physiotherapy.
