India accounts for 22-39 per cent of global arthritis cases, doctors lay out strategies to counter disease

A swelling caused in one or more joints that worsens with age arthritis is a musculoskeletal condition that causes the body to attack its own tissues in the joints Every year World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12 to encourage people to take action on improving lifestyles affected due to this diseaseThe theme of this year is Itrsquos in your hands take action designed to inspire individuals with arthritis along with caregivers and families to help realise their responsibility towards protecting their joint healthCelebrated following a yearlong campaign this day holds significance as it aims to increase awareness about arthritis and musculoskeletal conditionsWorld Arthritis Day encourages advocacy efforts to improve healthcare services early diagnosis and find proper treatment for the diseaseDoctors say it is crucial to have the right healthcare facilities that enable patients to have regular checkups and increase their awareness about this condition In the 21st century there are as many options available for targeted and effective treatments These include biologics and immunosuppressive drugs further advancements in genetics and genomics which have also deepened the knowledge of medical researchers who understand the genetic factors that cause arthritisIn India the symptoms of arthritis can be managed by painkillers nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs and antirheumatic drugsFor patients who are in advanced stages of arthritis common treatments are joint surgery ultrasound and joint injectionsAccording to Dr Kishore B Reddy HOD Orthopedics amp Orthopedics Oncology Amor Hospital Hyderabad The symptoms of arthritis commonly include swelling pain reduced range of motion and stiffness which is caused in legs hands lower back hips and knees This can occur to older as well as younger populations Arthritis affects 15 per cent of the population in India ie 210 million contributing to 22 per cent 39 per cent share to the global numbersOsteoarthritis is the second most common rheumatologic problem and it is the frequent joint disease in India Although arthritis occurs in the older population above 50 years of age this disease is also experienced by people in their 30s Sometimes rheumatoid arthritis can be seen in children aged 5 When people experience symptoms of arthritis they need to get their diagnosis soon as treatment for each type of arthritis is different and patients would require different medicationsDr SVL Narasimha Reddy Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon SLG Hospital says arthritis is a broad term and has two typesThe first one relates to inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis spondylitis and lupus which is degenerativeThe second is osteoarthritis which is a common type of arthritis affecting millions of people around the worldSome people even experience morning stiffness which means their hands donrsquot work immediately People also experience swelling in their mouth hair loss rashes on their face due to the sun They experience dryness in the mouth and eyes as well It is advised to not overuse pills There are biological injections now being used for arthritis this is an advanced treatment to help joints get better the treatment should be done within 6 months of diagnosis Arthritis is also a reversible disease which means if there is the right treatment at the right timeDr Sujit K Kaparthy consultant ndash Orthopaedics Century Hospital says If a patient has been recently diagnosed with arthritis they may not be sure if it spreads to other body parts Arthritis can spread to other body parts and become worse spreading from affected areas A mild flare of arthritis may last a few days and go away on its own Whereas a severe flare of arthritis can last longer it is also the first sign of rheumatoid arthritisAutoimmune diseases are usually caused when the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells tissues In such cases osteoarthritis remains stable for years while others spread rapidly and destroy the cartilage in the space of a few months Staying at a healthy weight controlling your blood sugar exercise stretching avoiding smoking and following a routine are some preventive care methods to stop the attack of arthritisLifestyle factors such as food contribute to inflammation and increase the symptoms of arthritis in the human bodyConsumption of sweets dairy fatty foods carbohydrates gluten and additives can increase the symptoms of arthritisWith a personalised treatment plan arthritis can be properly diagnosed and one can prevent permanent joint painThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever