Arthritis: Catch these symptoms early to lead a fulfilling life

India stands second in the number of arthritis patients, with 6.236 crore people suffering from joint pain, aches and inflammation. Arthritis has become a common health condition that has been adversely affecting the routine lives of millions of people in the country. Various studies conducted across Indian states state that one in ten persons above the age of 40 exhibits signs of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of the disease. Meanwhile, women are mostly diagnosed with this disease. According to a study conducted by the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), India had 23 million arthritis patients in 1990, but it rose to 62 million in 2019. 

The numbers show that around 34.6 per cent of people above 40 years in South India suffer from osteo arthritis. Women, elderly persons and obese people are more likely to be affected by this disease. The risk of this disease may be higher in some people than in others. Those who have obesity, a genetic history and injuries in the joints could suffer from arthritis at a young age. Besides, the cases of rheumatoid arthritis that are primarily caused in elderly people are also on the rise. As per the latest data, there are more than a million rheumatoid arthritis patients in India. You could control the symptoms by taking proper medication and making some changes in your lifestyle. 

Osteo arthritis, a villain?
Earlier, arthritis was primarily seen in elderly people. However, now, youngsters also suffer from this disease. Lack of exercise and obesity are the main reasons for this. Youngsters mostly suffer from osteo arthritis, which weakens the bones. An unhealthy lifestyle is a significant cause for this. Compared to men, osteo arthritis is primarily diagnosed in women. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down over time. Women may suffer from weakening of bones after they turn 40, especially if they lead an unhealthy lifestyle. Menopause, hormone imbalance, lack of exercise and obesity are some of the causes, among others, for osteo arthritis in women. So, women over 40 should focus more on their health and well-being. 

Treatment
The symptoms of osteo arthritis could be easily managed by diagnosing the condition at the right time and starting proper treatment. This, along with some lifestyle changes, could be really helpful. Exercise, physiotherapy and reducing body weight are crucial in your recovery journey. Meanwhile, medicines could help manage the pain while moving your body parts. In severe cases, you might feel extreme pain in your knees and hip while walking and sitting due to bone erosion in these areas. Such patients may have to undergo knee or hip replacement surgeries. This is a safe treatment method that ensures total recovery. Besides, the patient could return to his/her routine life within a few weeks after the surgery. This surgical method is also effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis in elderly people. 

Restorative treatment
Although hip replacement surgery is the best treatment method for osteo arthritis, other treatments are also available. 
PRP (Platelet–Rich Plasma) treatment involves injecting platelets from the blood into the joints to reduce pain. 
Stem cell treatment uses the patient’s own cells to regenerate the cartilage. 
Arthroscopy is a surgical method to improve movement. 

Lifestyle and arthritis
Arthritis is not a condition that can be prevented in advance. However, it is possible to delay the condition by adopting a healthy lifestyle. 

Although it is not possible to completely reverse arthritis, the symptoms that may adversely affect your daily life can be eased and well-managed if detected early. Ensuring a healthy lifestyle would save you not only from arthritis but also from lots of other diseases. 
(The writer is MS Ortho, FASM, FAA (Italy), Fellowship in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine (Italy) and is a shoulder surgery and joint replacement specialist)