‘India could be world’s arthritis capital by 2025’
NEW DELHI: Fifty-two year old Dinesh Yadav used to hear cracking sounds from his knees whenever he sat or stood up. At first, he did not pay much attention to the grating sounds, considering it to be a regular sign of aging.
It was only when he started experiencing pain in the knees along with the noises that he resolved to consult a doctor. X-ray and blood test reports revealed that Yadav was suffering from osteoarthritis.
According to conservative estimates, osteoarthritis in the knees affects an estimated 18 crore people, comprising 29 per cent of India’s population.
If current trends continue, experts believe that the country is likely to become the arthritis capital of the world by 2025.
In the national Capital, nearly 20 per cent patients are suffering or likely to be prone to osteoarthritis.
According to a recent study, if one experiences a cracking or creaking sound while you flexing their leg or stretching out after a run, it should not be ignored. A snap, crackle or pop in the knee joints, also known as knee crepitus, could be the indication of an impending arthritis problem.
“As the cartilage between the bones gets damaged over time, the underlying bony surface, which contains nerve endings, becomes exposed. This leads to formation of a rough surface, which gives rise to the grating noise with movement, also called knee crepitus. These noises in joints are common and usually painless, but they indicate the risk of arthritis.,” says Dr Maninder Shah Singh, Senior Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
He adds, “People who experience noisy knees, with or without any pain, must report it to their doctor as further X-ray tests can determine if they are at the risk of developing arthritis. Identifying risk factors for arthritis in time can assist in early diagnosis and better treatment.”
Dr Singh also said that even young people experience cracking sound in their joints, especially the fingers and knees, which can develop as early as the early teenage. “In this age group, sounds are usually not a cause for alarm, although a consultation with a doctor is recommended if the symptoms are progressive. The most common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis are swelling and stiffness while walking,” said Dr Singh.