Speaking at a workshop here on arthritis, noted rheumatologist Dr Sandeep Chauhan lamented that despite the fact that the ailment of joint pains in India had assumed alarming proportions there was lack of awareness.
He said the need was of generating awareness about this disease which inflicts unbearable pain due to swelling, stiffness and squeezing of joints of the body. According to a survey, one in five adults in this country was suffering from one kind of arthritis or the other.
He cautioned that the disease affected mostly females of the age group of 15-50 years and continues to aggravate if not treated immediately on its occurrence. Arthritis could spread even to the vital organs of the human body and could be fatal also.
He said adequate attention had not been paid for the prevention and cure of this disease in the country. Elucidating his point he said there were only 600-700 certified rheumatologists in Punjab and Haryana and none in Himachal Pradesh.
He explained that not all joint pains are arthritis, but it was necessary to consult the rheumatologist without any delay to avoid aggravation, deformity and crippling of the joints. If treated at the onset of the arthritis it was fully treatable, he assured.