Early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis can prevent pain, disability and help people to continue working, said orthopedic and spine surgeon Dr BKS Sanjay in a public awareness lecture on the causes, prevention and treatment of arthritis at Sanjay Orthopedic, Spine and Maternity Centre on Sunday. Dr Sanjay said that pain, swelling and stiffness are the most common symptoms of arthritis. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of adults with arthritis is increasing by about a million people a year.
Highlighting the symptoms of arthritis, Dr Sanjay said that it is a form of joint disorder that causes pain; swelling and restricts range of motion of one or more joints. There are several types of arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis which is a chronic inflammatory disease and affects small joints of the limbs characterised by stiffness of back and small joints of hands. Joints often involved are hips, knees and spine.
Technology available nowadays can ensure proper diagnosis and treatment with X-ray and blood check up being among the major methods of diagnosis. According to him, those who are overweight face an increased risk of arthritis so body weight must be controlled. The best way to control weight and maintain physical strength is to undertake all household activities. He further said that in the early stages of any type of arthritis weight reduction, physiotherapy and medication are best options. Osteotomy and joint replacement are modern procedures to relieve pain and restore functions of the joint.