One needs to focus on proper exercise routine, Yoga and healthy diet to prevent Arthritis
On the occasion of World Arthritis Day, on behalf of Kamineni Hospitals, we take this opportunity to offer our services to people suffering with joint pains in all possible ways. The last two weeks of October will be observed as joint pain screening weeks. We urge people to enjoy a healthy lifestyle by getting their problem diagnosed on time.
Dr Paparao Senior Consulting Orthopaedic at Kamineni Hospitals
Approximately around 14% of Indian population suffers with arthritis (or) Joint Pains. Osteoarthritis (or) degenerative joint disease, inflammatory arthritis & post-traumatic arthritis are the three major reasons for joint pains in our society. Degenerative joint disease occurs due to aging with cartilage loss at the ends of long bones and obesity is another reason for joint overload and arthritis at a younger age.
Inflammatory arthritis (Auto Immune disease) is caused due to a genetic abnormality where in few of the genes are misdirected and our immune system starts destroying the tissues in our joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis etc. Gout and Pseudogout are other major forms of arthritis. Many people living in the rural areas who suffer with joint pains, do not have proper access to healthcare and often resort to have self-medication. Pain killers & steroids have been abused for years over patients suffering with such pains and they result in end-stage kidney problems and heart related ailments, stomach ulcers etc.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mostly seen in women in their 30’s or 40’s. Early morning stiffness in hands & multiple joint pains are high suspicions of RA. Rarely children having the same symptoms are diagnosed to have RA (juvenile RA). AS is mostly seen in men in their 20’s or 30’s. Back pain & hip pain with early morning stiffness are suspicious symptoms of AS. Post-traumatic joint pains are seen in people injured in road accidents and other accidental injuries, where they sustain fractures extending into the joints.
Of late many people are approaching doctors with joint pains after recovering from viral fevers, Chickengunya, dengue fever etc. From the last year we have been seeing people with joint pains after recovering from Covid-19 disease and the scenario is on the rise.
Gout and pseudo gout are other forms of arthritis which are commonly diagnosed. In Gouty arthritis patients have inability to excrete excess uric acid produced after having high protein diet. So they are advised to stop consuming meat, egg & alcohol. Pseudo gout is other form of crystal deposition disorder in the joints leading to joint pains.
Prevention
One needs to focus on proper exercise routine, yoga & healthy diet. To stay fit physical activity is of utmost importance right from childhood. Children should be taught about obesity prevention in the schools and should be encouraged to participate in sports.
Treatment
Today we have excellent medicines to treat joint pains, improve patient’s lifestyle and bring them back to normal on par with their same aged counter parts. Joint replacement is only a last resort to resume joint function in severely damaged joints, mostly hips, knees & shoulders.