Early recognition and treatment key to better outcomes in arthritis

by Dr Vikas Gupta, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana
12th October is observed as World Arthritis Day globally to raise awareness about arthritis among general public
Among the various types of arthritis affecting people, Osteoarthritis is the most common followed by Rheumatoid Arthritis.
While Osteoarthritis generally affects Indian population of more than 40 years with knee joint pain, Rheumatoid Arthritis is a amore severe form of arthritis which can occur a at any age. Approximately 1 in 15 adults in India are affected by this autoimmune disease and women are affected three times more commonly than men. Patients usually complain of pain, swelling and morning stiffness in small joints of hands and feet though other joints including shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles can also be affected.
Long standing disease can also effect eyes, lungs and nerves. Inadequate treatment for long can rarely also affects kidneys. With effective treatment, patients can find complete relief in pain, swelling and stiffness of joints. It is important to recognize and treat this disease early to prevent joint deformities and other complications.
Arthritis can also occur in other autoimmune diseases like SLE, Sjogren Syndrome, Scleroderma and Psoriasis, and in infections like Chikungunya and Dengue fever. Children and adolescents can also be affected by various forms of arthritis. More awareness about arthritis needs to be spread among general public so that treatment can be started early and long- term damage to joints can be prevented leading to better quality of life.