Bengaluru: India is poised to become the osteoarthritis capital of the world with 60 million cases by 2025 and what’s more, the disease is now being reported among 30 to 50 year olds, whereas in the past it mainly affected the elderly.
These facts were revealed by People Tree Hospitals’ CEO, Dr Chandrashekar Chikkamuniyappa, who is also a senior joint replacement surgeon, at an awareness drive conducted by the hospital on the occasion of World Arthritis Day on Thursday in the city.
Dr Yogesh Singh, HoD and consultant rheumatologist, Manipal Hospitals, when contacted, held out hope, saying early diagnosis in cases of rheumatoid arthritis could be helpful. “Delay can only cause degeneration of joints, bones and tissues,” he warned.
“Some of the symptoms are redness, swelling, and pain in the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Over a 100 types of rheumatic disease have been discovered and their treatment focuses on managing the condition,” he added.
Meanwhile, HOSMAT Hospital conducted a free arthritis consultation to mark the World Arthritis Day. And Apollo Spectra Hospitals recently held a ‘Health Day Clinic’ to spread awareness on joint pains and issues related to the disease.
