Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 13: Arthritis – a group of diseases causing joint pain and inflammation – continues to affect millions of people across the globe, significantly reducing their quality of life and making even simple daily tasks a challenge.
Doctors in Kashmir have expressed concern over the growing number of arthritis cases, attributing them largely to obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking.
Health experts said that arthritis is not a single disease but a broad term encompassing over a hundred different conditions that affect the joints. The two most common types are Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own joints.
Dr Murtaza Wani, an orthopaedician at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), said that the causes of arthritis are multifactorial, including genetic predisposition, ageing, joint injuries, infections, obesity, immune system dysfunction, and lifestyle choices.
“Excess body weight puts additional strain on weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, leading to quicker wear and tear of cartilage. Obesity also increases inflammation in the body, which can accelerate joint damage,” he said.
Dr Wani further added that smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are major contributors to arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
“Smoking can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, while lack of physical activity weakens muscles and causes stiffness in the joints. Together, these factors create an environment conducive to arthritis,” he said.
Dr Sameer, a rheumatologist, said that arthritis, though common, is largely manageable with timely intervention and lifestyle modifications.
“Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and avoiding smoking are key preventive measures,” he said. “Regular medical checkups and early diagnosis are crucial, as early treatment can significantly slow disease progression and improve quality of life.”
Doctors said that symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, fatigue, weakness, and a reduced range of motion. Ignoring these symptoms, they cautioned, can lead to worsening of the condition, permanent joint damage, and even disability.
“People must seek medical help as soon as they experience symptoms like persistent joint pain or stiffness,” the doctors advised. “With proper treatment, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, most arthritis patients can lead normal, active lives.”
Medical experts also stressed the importance of public awareness about arthritis, saying that prevention and early management are essential to reducing the growing burden of this disabling condition in society.
