Do your knees creak when you climb the stairs? Do your hips ache after a long day?
It’s easy to brush this off as ‘just getting older’ or ‘normal wear and tear,’ but here’s the truth: those everyday aches could actually be early warning signs of a bigger problem known as ‘large joint disease,’ which affects millions of people in India and around the world.
According to the World Health Organization, "In 2019, about 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis; an increase of 113% since 1990." Even more concerning, the WHO notes that "about 73% of people living with osteoarthritis" fall into specific demographics, with "about 70% are older than 55", and "about 60% of people living with osteoarthritis are women."
Are your joints trying to tell you something?
That dull, nagging pain you’ve been ignoring might not be so harmless.
Dr Aashish Chaudhry, an orthopaedic surgeon, explains, “If somebody is having large joint disease pain or the symptoms intermittently, maybe once a week or fortnightly, and that’s going away without any special treatment, then it comes under normal pain or discomfort. When these symptoms are recurrent daily, they need investigation.”
Osteoarthritis: The most widespread form of joint disease, where cartilage wears away over time. The good news? Surgery isn’t always necessary if you catch it early and manage it well.
Prevention is powerful. Maintaining strong bones and healthy joints requires consistent effort across multiple areas, from nutrition and exercise to lifestyle choices that support long-term mobility.
You don't need expensive equipment or gym memberships to manage joint pain.
Dr Roopa Tekkatte, a consultant rheumatologist, suggests simple, targeted exercises performed at home can strengthen muscles around affected joints, improve flexibility, and reduce discomfort.
The progression from minor aches to debilitating joint disease isn't inevitable.
Recognition of early warning signs such as persistent stiffness, swelling, decreased range of motion, or pain that worsens with activity can prompt timely intervention.
Until next time,
Swarupa Tripathy
DISCLAIMER: The articles in this newsletter are based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
From Our Readers
In this section, every week we will be answering your questions– be it finance, health or your Gen Z kids and grandkids. Write to us atlifestyle@indianexpress.comor swarupa.tripathy@indianexpress.com and we'll cover them in subsequent dispatches! ✍ (we will protect your anonymity if need be)
No comments:
Post a Comment