No sign of relief for Arthritis patients

BANGALORE: Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) continue to cause pain to several thousand persons everyday.Yet, these diseases are largely ill-diagnosed and inadequately treated in the country. On the occasion of World Arthritis Day on October 12, Express reports on the sorry state of affairs. There are only about 300 rheumatologists in India and 13 in Karnataka, says consultant rheumatologist with Fortis Hospitals Dr Ramesh Jois.Hence, people do not have access to specialists. Rheumatologists say that this shortage leads to poor awareness about the diseases among people and medical practioners resulting in improper diagnosis.The worst affected are those living in tier II cities and towns. There does not seem to be much hope for the future as there are few centres that provide training to aspiring doctors in rheumatology in India.Dr Ramesh Jois says there is no such centre in the state. As RMDs are degenerative, it affects the elderly and in severe cases require joint replacements.A senior specialist with the department of orthopedic, KC General Hospital, Dr Manjunath says that though there are several joint replacement centres in private hospitals, there is a dearth of similar facilities in government hospitals.“Only Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospitals have commenced knee and joint replacement surgery. Other government hospitals are yet to gear up for it,” he adds. Doctors maintain that prevention is better than cure in line with the theme for World Arthritis Day this year: ‘Move to Improve’. The emphasis is on being physically active and doctors recommend moderate activity RMDs patients.“Adults should engage in 150 minutes or more of moderate- intensity aerobic physical activity per week.They should also do musclestrengthening exercises at least two days per week.Adults with arthritis who cannot meet these recommendations are encouraged to follow specially designed exercise regimens,” recommends Dr Manjunath.ABOUT RMDS■ RMDs are degenerative disease■ Increase in prevalence of RMDs associated with longevity■ Do not ignore warning signs such as joint pain, joint tenderness, redness around a joint, warm joints, fever, malaise, excessive fatigue or lumps.■ Physical activity is must to deal with the disease