World Arthritis Day 2023: Early signs, symptoms you should not overlook

World Arthritis Day, observed annually on October 12, serves as a crucial reminder to shed light on the impact of arthritis and its far-reaching consequences on individuals worldwide. Arthritis, a condition affecting joints, manifests through pain, stiffness, swelling and limited range of motion. With over 100 different types of arthritis, awareness about the early signs and symptoms becomes paramount, irrespective of age.

2 things you need to know

• Early arthritis signs often include joint pain and stiffness.
• Osteoarthritis affects weight-bearing joints like hips and knees.

Experts share insights

To gain deeper insights into this pervasive condition, Republic Digital spoke with Dr Ramneek Mahajan, Senior Director (Orthopaedics) & Head - Joint Reconstruction (Hip & Knee).

Dr Mahajan emphasised the discomfort associated with arthritis, stating, “Arthritis is a painful and uncomfortable condition, leading to limitations in function and daily activities, hence causing a decline in overall health and independence.”

Understanding osteoarthritis (OA)

Dr Mahajan highlighted that Osteoarthritis is the most common form, affecting 80% of adults over 65. He shared, “Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition usually caused by trauma or age-related wear and tear on joints over time. It mainly affects weight-bearing joints like the hip, knee, ankle, spine, and also the hands and feet in cases of inflammatory arthritis.”

(Arthritis is a painful and uncomfortable condition | Image: iStock)

Early signs and symptoms

Addressing the crucial aspect of early detection, Dr Mahajan detailed its early signs, stating, “The earliest signs usually include joint pain or ache, along with tenderness, swelling, or stiffness, particularly worse in the morning.” Identifying inflammatory arthritis, he explained its progression from small joints to larger ones, like hips and knees, with symptoms presenting gradually and intensifying during disease flares."

Managing arthritis

While offering advice to those diagnosed, Dr Mahajan stressed the importance of managing symptoms promptly. “Consult your doctor if discomfort lasts for more than 2 weeks or doesn't improve. Regular visits to assess pain improvement and consultations with surgeons or physical therapists are crucial. While surgery is a last resort, non-surgical treatments and adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, are the preferred initial steps,” he recommended.

As World Arthritis Day approaches, these insights underscore the urgency of understanding, detecting and managing arthritis for a healthier, pain-free future.