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. Santosh Shetty, Specialist in Joint Replacement and Trauma Surgery is one of the Experienced & Leading Joint Replacement Surgeon Practicing in Mumbai since 2001. He Heads The Department Of Arthroplasty And Joint Replacement For Surana Group of Hospitals Malad, Chembur, Sanpada. He is a Consultant at Cumballa Hill Hospital and is also a part of Team Robodocs at CritiCare Asia Group of Hospital where he performs Robotic Knee Joint Replacement Surgery with the World's First Fully Active Automatic Robotic Arm Technology. He has expertise in Total Hip, Knee & Shoulder Replacement, and Trauma Surgery and Robotic-Assisted Surgery.

Types of arthritis

Dr. Santosh Shetty says, “Arthritis is one of the most common problems in India, More than 180 million people are suffering from arthritis and this will increase by 2040. Arthritis incidence is more than AIDS and cancer. People are aware of the following types of arthritis- 

• Osteoarthritis  - is seen in the elderly age group. The knee joint is common after the hip joint. There may be wear and tear of joints. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis - can occur at any age. Autoimmune disease occurs and affects all joints with pain and morning stiffness. You will need a rheumatologist and specialist to help you with rheumatoid arthritis. They may involve one or many joints. 

Many people in India have joint problems and people with age more than 70 years have arthritis.” 

Treatment options for arthritis

Dr. Santosh Shetty informs, “Women are known to sacrifice and suffer in silence. Women are more prone to arthritis. Women may neglect and ignore the pain and this may be labelled differently. There are many denial modes that cause a lack of awareness. It is important to detect and identify arthritis at an early age. We can avoid arthritis surgery in long run. Women fear approaching doctors in case of procedure and treatment. Women do not approach at the right time which may lead to damage to the joint. If joint pain persists for more than 3 weeks in spite of home remedies or conventional medicines, then you need a specialist or orthopaedic surgeon.”

Deterioration of arthritis with age

Dr. Santosh Shetty states, “Early stage detection of arthritis is important. Maintenance of the body is important with the proper time. The maintenance of the body includes - 

• Lifestyle changes 
• Weight control 
• BMI control 
• Overuse of joints 
• Control of stress forces on joints 
• Avoid stress-related activities, gym activities
• Vitamin deficiency 
• Proper nutrition 
• Loss of calcium and vitamin D3 
• Overexertion.” 

Early detection and diagnosis is important 

Dr. Santosh Shetty says, “There are many fears in the mind of people in case of arthritis is surgery. People generally think that consulting an orthopedic doctor implies surgery. Orthopedics treat through surgery as well. If there is too much damage to joints, then surgery is required. Surgery is required in some patients with damaged joints. Arthritis has 4 stages and the first 3 stages do not require surgery, only the 4th stage requires surgery. You need surgery if - 

• Your legs are bowed and bent 
• Support while walking 
• Lack of joint movements 
• Using painkillers all the time 

This all cases need surgery.”

Reversal of arthritis

Dr. Santosh Shetty informs, “Pain and mobility get affected with arthritis. Pain can be taken care of with medications. Mobility restrictions can be corrected with medications. People are more fearful and concerned about mobility. Arthritis is a progressive disorder that causes wear and tear of joints. Science can slow down the progress of arthritis but cannot halt it. Arthritis progression can be taken cure of.”

New technological advancements for arthritis

Dr. Santosh Shetty informs, “The treatment of arthritis are - 

• Medications 
• Injections- stem cell therapy 
• Robotic joint replacement- painless therapy

Arthritis is common and does not take it lightly. A simple blood test or X-ray can help. Lifestyle modifications and medicines can help.  Take care of your joints.”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)