To create awareness on the problem faced by arthritis patients and its treatment, a 3 km long Walkathon was organised by Max Super Speciality Hospital on World Arthritis Day, here on Sunday.
More than 200 people consisting of Arthritis Patients, Senior Citizens and College Students participated in the event. The Walkathon which began from Ashley Hall and ended at Clock Tower was flagged off by Additional Chief Medical Officer of Dehradun Dr BS Jangpangi.
Senior Consultant Joint Replacement, at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun Dr Ashish Mittal saidthat Arthritis affects over 15 per cent and approximately 180 million people in India, which is higher than many well known diseases.
He added that recent studies suggest that osteoarthritis beats diseases like diabetes, cancer and hyper tension to claim the number 1 slot among ailments in the country.
The Consultant, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Max Super Speciality Hospital Dr Gaurav Guptas said that the incidences of Arthritis among children are increasing.
“Infact Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common type of arthritis found amongst children under the age of 16 and is often a significant cause of short and long term disability. Kids who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis often do not realise how to deal with the situation which imposes restrictions on their active, playful life. While Arthritis has many problems attached to it, it is still curable” he informed.
The theme of this year’s World Arthritis Day is ‘living better ageing well’. Doctors are of the opinion that increased activity level, maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding joint injury are the keys of arthritis management.