World Arthritis Day: West Bengal has 4.9 million cases of OA, third-highest in India

October 11, Kolkata: Around 62.35 million individuals in India suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), a common disease that causes stiffness and pain in joints. West Bengal, with 4.9 million cases as of 2019, has one of the highest shares of the disease burden, after Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Now, with increasing longevity and a rise in geriatric population; the disease burden is expected to rise even further. A study found that OA affects over 80 per cent people more than 55 years of age, while another estimates that patients – roughly – live for up to 30 years with OA enduring severe mobility issues and pain.

“Osteoarthritis significantly impacts mobility and independence of the above 55 age group,” said Dr Santosh Kumar, Chief Joint Replacement Surgeon, Belle Vue Clinic, Kolkata. “Especially, OA of the knee and hip joints can affect people’s ability to drive a car, take stairs, do household chores, or even get by with their daily routines. The lack of movement induced by OA can further lead to other complications cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Early detection and management are crucial to maintain healthy joint function.”

Symptoms of OA

The earliest signs usually include moderate to severe joint pain or ache, along with tenderness, swelling, or stiffness, which is particularly bad in the morning. The condition then progresses to reduced mobility, and a crackling sensation when moving the knee. 

Treatment Options

In the past, common medical treatments targeted short-term relief from symptoms and didn’t account for long-term risk. With increased life expectancy and the earlier onset of OA, doctors focus on lifestyle management and recommend surgical options like total knee replacement if the joint degeneration is at an advanced stage. Knee replacement surgery has also become less invasive.

Additionally, doctors recommend exercises which have a low impact on load bearing joints but engage the full range of joints’ motion.

(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)