Unfounded fears and misconceptions bog down a major chunk of patients suffering from osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder, says Suman Pendyala, consultant joint replacement surgeon in the city-based Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). Addressing an interactive session of patients suffering from osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, organised by the KIMS to mark World Arthritis Day, Dr. Pendyala said that raising the awareness level was the need of the hour.
Admitting that the element of risk was relatively high in joint surgeries, he said advancement in science had brought down the risk of infection to a great extent. Former president of Indian Medical Association G. Samaram spoke about the need for post-surgery care. Warning the patients against getting carried away by quacks, he said knowledge was a powerful tool to overcome the bane of ignorance. Referring to this year's theme “Move to Improve', he said that a patient must focus on improving in all aspects.
Explaining that there were over 100 different types of arthritis, he said the common symptoms included joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said that lifestyle changes like daily exercise, intake of healthy food could go a long way in early recovery. Interventional cardiologist at KIMS M. Ravichandra doled out general tips to patients of joint pains. He said they must exercise great care in selecting the right surgeon and the right hospital with latest medical facilities to undergo the surgery. Senior cardiologist N. Murali Krishna said the facility of joint replacement was a boon and hoped that similar facility for other human body parts would be within the reach of the medical fraternity in future.
Medical Director of KIMS M. Yanadi Naidu, presided over the session.