Incidence of early osteoarthritis on the rise: Need for prevention

Columbia Asia Hospital organizes Health Talk on Knee Osteoarthritis for residents of Avantika Colony in Ghaziabad
Bone Mineral Density tests were conducted and specialized orthopedic consultations provided at the occasion
Ghaziabad: At 38 years of age, Pratibha (name changed), a housewife had been suffering from pain and stiffness in one of her knees. Diagnostic investigations revealed that her knee joint was turning arthritic due to cartilage depletion and resembled the knee of a 60 year old.

Truth be told, Pratibha is not a one off case! A significant number of Indian women and older adults, especially in urban and semi-urban areas today are suffering from the twin hazards of poor bone health and early onset of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis of knee is a debilitating and degenerative condition that forces many people to restrict physical activities, consequently developing reduced agility and flexibility. However, with small efforts in the right direction and following a healthy lifestyle, people with arthritis and osteoarthritis can lead a normal life. Osteoarthritis in young age less than 45 years is primarily due to missed injuries of knee. Injuries to cartilage or meniscus due to simple fall if unattended can lead to rapid depletion of cartilage, ending into full blown arthritis.

Hence, it is very important to seek doctors’ advice if your knee continues to hurt after a simple fall or twisted injury.
In an attempt to raise awareness regarding management of disorders of bone and joint disorders and educate patients about knee osteoarthritis, its different stages, as well as the available treatment options, Columbia Asia Hospitals, Ghaziabad, today conducted a first-of-its kind health talk activity at the hospital premises.

The enlightening 3-hour-long medical talk by experts was preceded by specialized bone density tests (BMD) and complementary specialist orthopedic consultations for the participants. More than 70 residents including more than 37 people of Avantika Colony, Shastri Nagar in Ghaziabad participated on the occasion and received the opportunity to receive specialized diagnosis and one-on-one consultation from expert orthopedicians.
Speaking at the event, doctors at Columbia Asia Hospitals, Ghaziabad also noted that the incidence of knee osteoarthritis in women under 50 has markedly increased over the past 10 years.

“Osteoarthritis is the age-related wear and tear of the joints that affects the whole joint including bone, cartilage, ligament, and even the surrounding muscles. In the advanced stage, it is characterized by loss of the cartilage and leads to restricted mobility which makes it difficult for patients to perform their daily normal tasks including walking, working in the kitchen, or performing basic household chores. Unlike osteoporosis which is a condition where our bones become fragile and brittle, symptoms of osteoarthritis vary from person to person. Speaking generally, osteoarthritis is exacerbated by excessive weight and lack of physical exercise and tends to affect the knee joints mostly,” explains Dr Ashutosh Jha – DNB (Ortho) Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad.

On the other hand, osteoporosis or weakening of bones is another age-related phenomenon that is being reported in relatively younger adults today.
“A range of factors are making people in metro cities and city suburbs prone to early osteoporosis including low intake of calcium, low sun exposure, lack of physical exercise, obesity and sedentary habits. However, probably the most worrisome risk factors are the increase in smoking and alcohol consumption, especially among women. In case of a previous knee bone injury, a person who smokes is more likely to have a longer period of recovery and greater risk of complication,” adds Dr Ashutosh Jha – DNB (Ortho) Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad.

It is important to note that lifestyle-related factors for osteoporosis are all modifiable and can be overcome with a little willpower—this was the fundamental message that was conveyed during the high level health discussion today.
“Clinical evidence suggests a downward shift in the age threshold of osteoarthritis in India. The treatment plan for this disease usually involves a combination of medication, exercise, weight management, and physiotherapy. A bone mineral density test is an advance form of X-ray technique used to measure the amount of minerals in our bones and is significant to detect the risk of osteoarthritis in adults. For rarer and complicated issues of osteoarthritis of the knee, such as deposit of calcium crystals in the cartilage and formation of cysts at the back of the knee joint, surgeries can be opted,” informs Dr Ashutosh Jha – DNB (Ortho) Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad.

The department of Orthopedics at Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic services for the management of disorders of bones, joints, and associated structures, where a team of highly qualified and experienced surgeons are known for their skill in performing surgeries and treatment.

Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad is a premier multispecialty healthcare facility dedicated to the residents of Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas, and had been conducting health talks and medical camps at regular intervals.