We at Medicircle are constantly working on bringing to our audience all the trending health-related topics. It is our primary objective to Bring to your attention news and views you need to be aware of to lead a healthy disease-free life. To help us in this regard we’d be joined by eminent and expert top doctors from across the country. Today in Doctor’s Speak we are going to talk about the problem of Arthritis and ways to help you deal with it. 

Dr. Naval Mendiratta has completed his MBBS in 2007 from Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai. In 2011, he did his MD (Medicine) from Bharti Vidyapeeth University, Pune. He has also completed his fellowship in Rheumatology and Immunology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore in 2013. With a rich experience of 7 years to his credit, Dr. Naval was associated with Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj. His last assignment was with Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon as Consultant-Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology.

Joints making popping and cracking noises 

Dr. Naval Mendiratta says, “Many people ask this question for shoulder, elbow, or knuckle joints. This may get converted to pain. The main reason behind this our ligaments. Many people have flexible or over-flexible ligaments. When the joints become lose it results in this problem. Continuously popping the joints is not a good idea. This may result in tissue damage. In the case of severe cases, this may lead to joint hypermobility syndrome. There is more pain and noises due to ligament injury. Exercises can help strengthen the ligaments and joints.”

Popping of knuckles? - Harmful or Harmless

Dr. Naval Mendiratta says, “Sometimes, it is ok as people get a psychological block that if we dont crack the joints, it causes the problem of stiffness. Once a while cracking joints is normal, continuous cracking can result in a problem. It is a mental factor. It is considered not to pop your neck joints as well. It may strain the muscles. It can cause a sprain. Avoid the popping of bigger joints as this may damage muscles.”

Types of arthritis

Dr. Naval Mendiratta informs, “There is a myth that arthritis is an old age problem. There are many causes when we take the example of fever. There is different approach and treatment for each. There are two types of arthritis- 

• Inflammatory 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• SLE 
• Sjogren’s syndrome 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Non-inflammatory arthritis 
• Degenerative arthritis 
• Tuberculosis arthritis 

Detailed history with early detection is a must.”

Warning signs of arthritis 

Dr. Naval Mendiratta states, “There are no warning signals for arthritis. But, some of the symptoms of arthritis are as follows- 

• Stiffness of joints after rest
• Morning stiffness for 30 mins 
• Swelling of joints 
• Lack of movement
• Disc problem 
• Bending of the body forward 
• Ulceration
• Rashes of face 
• Blueness of hands 
• affecting other joints.”

Prevention of arthritis 

Dr. Naval Mendiratta says,” We can delay arthritis with - 

• Reducing obesity 
• Avoiding sedentary lifestyle 
• Avoid long term use of laptops and phones 
• 30 mins exercise 5 days a week 
• Control weight 
• Maintain the proper height of the computer at eye level 
• Reduce stress levels 
• Avoid smoking
• If its genetic, timely treatment is required 
• Take medicines regulaly 
• Speak to the doctor under proper guidance 
• Healthy lifestyle
• Avoid regular massage which can cause injury.”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)