Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is estimated to affect approximately 0.24 to 1 percent of the Indian population and is twice as common in women compared to men. It affects more than 180 million people in India; the prevalence is higher than many well-known diseases such as AIDS, and cancer. Around 14% of the Indian population seeks a doctor's help every year for this joint disease. In the series on Rheumatoid Arthritis, the team of Medicircle is speaking to many eminent doctors so that there is awareness about all aspects of this disease amongst people. 

Dr. Anurag Awasthi is Director Orthopedics at Bones Clinic and Founder Director at Kimaya Healthcare. He is among the best doctors in India for Sports Injury, Fractures, Hip & Knee Replacement Surgery. He is affiliated with Artemis Hospital, C K Birla Hospital & Columbia Asia Hospital as visiting consultant in Orthopaedics. Dr. Awasthi is best known for excellent surgical results with fast recovery & patient satisfaction. Dr. Awasthi offers treatment for - Hip & Knee Arthritis, including Keyhole surgeries, Total Hip Replacement, Total Knee Replacement, & Joint Preservation Surgery, Sports Injury treatment, Complicated Fractures, and other diverse Orthopedic & bone-related problems.  

Screening is Must 

Dr. Awasthi informs, “It is important to refer all patients with Joint Pain/ swelling of more than 3 weeks duration, to an Orthopaedic or Rheumatologist for further assessment. Most patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis suffer from swelling and pain in one or multiple joints. If there is single large joint involvement like Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, or Ankle for more than 3-4 weeks or multiple hand joint involvements with morning stiffness; a screening test for Rheumatoid Arthritis should be done. For patients with a positive family history of RA, a screening test should be done for any muscle or joint pain lasting beyond 2-3 weeks." 

No Dietary Restrictions, Uric Acid Check Can Be Done

Dr. Awasthi explains, “RA is genetically mediated. We normally do not advise any dietary restriction. However, a simultaneous check for Uric Acid levels should be done for patients with joint pain & swelling.”

Symptoms & Severity Can Be Alleviated 

Dr. Awasthi mentions, “As of present, there is no claim that any medication can cure RA. However, there is a range of medications that can alleviate the symptoms & reduce the speed of progression/ severity of the disease. A proper assessment, counseling & multi-department approach is needed for every patient.” 

Medications Without Proper Assessment Should Be Avoided 

Dr. Awasthi emphasizes, “A common problem that we encounter is that patients with joint pain & swelling are given antibiotics or steroids without proper investigation & assessment. Such practices should be avoided, except in emergency circumstances."

To get more details about Dr. Anurag Awasthi, visit:

www.anuragawasthi.com

(Edited by Amrita Priya)