WHAT IS ARTHRITIS? 

Arthritis is derived from the word “Arthros” meaning joint and “itis” meaning inflammation.

They are primarily divided into two types primary and secondary. Primary meaning arising from regular wear and tear such as in the process of aging. Secondary arthritis can occur due to a predisposing medical condition or injury, such as, trauma or fracture involving the joint, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout are conditions that are precursors to arthritis. 

HOW CAN ARTHRITIS BE PREVENTED? 

In the case of primary arthritis, which is more or less an ageing process, maintenance of muscle tone, joint mobility, ideal weight maintenance and exercise play a major role in prevention.

In the case of secondary arthritis, treating the predisposing medical condition becomes the most important factor in both prevention and management of arthritis 

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS IN THE CASE OF ARTHRITIS? 

Again, we divide treatment options based on the early or late stage of presentation and the age of the individual at the time of presentation. 

In case of early presentation and young individuals, mainly a mix of weight loss, physiotherapy to strengthen muscle tone around the joint and medication would be the mainstay of treatment which is aimed at preventing further progression of arthritis. 

In the case of moderate involvement and young individuals, joint preservation would be the main goal. Options such as limb alignment correction ( especially for knee arthritis), mosaicplasty, OATS procedure, cartilage regeneration techniques would be explored, depending on a case to case basis.

In severe cases and elderly individuals the choice of treatment would be more in the lines of joint replacement.