Increasing incidence of arthritis amongst 40 to 50-year-olds

Increasing incidence of arthritis amongst 40 to 50-year-olds





Degenerative knee arthritis is on a rise in India, espe cially amongst adults in the 40 to 50 age group. This is mainly due to lifestyle changes such as obesity, lack of physical exercise and early hormonal changes in females. Joint replacement surgeon Dr Sanjeev Jain says that repetitive sports injuries may also be a contributing factor.“For adults in this age group with advanced stages of arthritis, total knee replacement may be an effective treatment option. However, since most traditional implants don't last more than 15 years, most patients put off surgery at a younger age and instead struggle through life. However, this may not be the correct approach. The needs of these patients are different. They have higher life expectancies and need to carry out high demand activities. Living with constant pain in their day-today activities will not only hamper their routine but their selfesteem and emotional state, leading to depression,“ he says.

Today, surgical techniques and technologies have become more advanced to cater more to the needs of younger patients. The quality of implants has improved, lasting much longer and allowing for greater range of motion.“There is even Computer Assisted Surgery for patients to enable excellent desired activity levels.Consequently, many young patients are living a healthy and active life post-surgery. For instance, Sneha Naik, a young bank employee, suffered debilitating knee pain and underwent a total knee replacement at 41. She has been enjoying her profession al, personal and social life to the fullest eight years hence and counting. Similarly, Pradeep Lele was suffering from severe knee pain and his life came to a standstill at the age of 53. Now, it's been five years since he has undergone a knee replacement and he has been living a pain free and active life since. Today these patients and their families are happy hence negating the myth that there is a `right' age to get a total knee replacement,“ adds Dr Jain Where: Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital Powai, Thane.

Call: +919820036852 E-mail: drsanjain@hotmail.com kneehipreplacementindia.com, kneehipreplacement mumbai.com (*Procedures given are based on the expert's understanding of the said field)