ARTICLES ON Bone & Joint

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, commonly known as osteonecrosis, is a condition that affects the hip joint, primarily impacting the blood supply to the bone. Left untreated, it can lead to pain, disability, and even the need for orthopedic treatment. As an orthopedic surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, I believe in empowering patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. In this article, we will explore the stages of AVN and discuss the importance of seeking timely treatment. Additionally, we will shed light on the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement, a cutting-edge surgical alternative that offers early functional recovery for individuals dealing with this condition. What is Avascular Necrosis? The death of bone tissue as a result of inadequate blood flow is known as avascular necrosis. It is also referred to as ‘osteonecrosis’, and it can produce small fractures in the bone, eventually causing it to break down.  The interruption or lack of blood supply causes bone tissue to break down, often resulting in pain, restricted movement, and, in severe cases, collapse of the affected bone. Commonly affecting the hip, knee, shoulder, and other joints, it can be triggered by injury, excessive alcohol consumption, steroid use, or underlying medical conditions. Anybody can get impacted. However, individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 are more likely to suffer from this condition. Early detection through imaging tests and timely intervention, such as medication, physical therapy, or surgery, is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis Femoral Head Depending on the stage and the damaged bone, AVN symptoms might vary. Some individuals with avascular necrosis have no symptoms at all in the initial phases. As the condition worsens, the affected joints might hurt only when you put weight on them. After a while, the pain could even be too much to handle when you’re resting. Typical indications consist of: Causes of Avascular Necrosis Femoral Head Avascular necrosis is brought on by diseases or bone fractures that obstruct blood supply to bone tissue. Avascular necrosis can result from a number of disorders or treatments, including: Nontraumatic AVN is also linked to the following conditions: Treatment of Avascular Necrosis Femoral Head The extent of damage in the bones will determine the course of treatment. Enhancing function and preventing more bone or joint deterioration are the two main objectives of therapy. If the extent of your bone deterioration is restricted to smaller, non-weight-bearing bones, your doctor may consider the following treatments: Patients with more severe cases of avascular necrosis may require surgery to treat their conditions. Among the surgical possibilities are: How is Avascular Necrosis Diagnosed? Diagnosing avascular necrosis (AVN) involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and imaging tests to assess the affected joint and confirm the presence of bone tissue damage. The diagnostic process typically includes: Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will inquire about symptoms, medical history, medications, and any past injuries or treatments. A doctor or nurse will examine your joints during a physical examination to check for any soreness. In order to determine if the range of motion is reduced, they may also rotate the joints through various positions. Imaging Tests: Various imaging techniques are employed to examine the affected bone and assess its condition: Biopsy: In rare cases, a sample of bone tissue may be extracted and examined under a microscope to confirm AVN diagnosis, although this is less commonly performed due to the accuracy of imaging tests. What are the Risk Factors for Osteonecrosis? Several factors increase the risk of developing osteonecrosis. Understanding these risk factors is crucial in identifying individuals who might be more susceptible: How to Prevent Avascular Necrosis? Preventing avascular necrosis (AVN) involves addressing underlying risk factors and adopting proactive measures to safeguard bone health and circulation. Consider these strategies to help reduce the risk: Understanding AVN Stages AVN progresses through stages that indicate the severity of the condition. Early detection and intervention are crucial for successful treatment. Here are the stages of AVN: 1. Initial Stage: In this stage, the blood supply to the femoral head is compromised, leading to cellular damage. At this point, the bone structure remains intact, and symptoms might not be noticeable. However, early diagnosis through imaging (X-rays, MRI) can identify subtle changes, enabling timely intervention. 2. Necrosis Stage: Blood flow continues to be restricted, causing the bone tissue to die (necrosis). Patients may start experiencing pain and discomfort during this stage, particularly with weight-bearing activities. Conservative treatments, such as medication, rest, and limited weight-bearing, might be recommended. 3. Crescent Stage: The dead bone weakens and might collapse, leading to a crescent-shaped fracture. Pain and limited range of motion become more pronounced. Surgical interventions, such as core decompression, may be considered at this point to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage. 4. Flattening Stage: The femoral head loses its shape and flattens due to the ongoing collapse. Joint function significantly deteriorates, leading to more intense pain and reduced mobility. Joint-replacement surgery may be advised to restore function and relieve pain. 5. Advanced Stage: The final stage involves extensive damage to the femoral head, causing severe pain, disability, and joint dysfunction. Total hip replacement surgery becomes a more likely option to restore mobility and quality of life. Seeking Timely Treatment in India In India, timely treatment of AVN is of paramount importance, considering the prevalence of conditions that may contribute to AVN, such as trauma, corticosteroid use, alcoholism, and certain medical conditions. If you experience persistent hip pain, limited range of motion, or discomfort during movement, it’s crucial to consult a qualified orthopedic specialist. Prompt diagnosis through medical imaging and comprehensive evaluation can determine the stage of AVN and guide appropriate treatment. Depending on the stage, treatment options may include medication, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, core decompression, joint-preserving surgeries, or hip replacement. Direct Anterior Approach: Revolutionizing Total Hip Replacement When AVN progresses to the point where joint-preserving treatments are no longer effective, hip replacement surgery

You can have a buzzing, shaking, vibrating, or trembling sensation in your feet, toes, hands, fingers, arms, legs, or even across your entire body. This sensation may be infrequent, regular, or chronic, and it may affect only one portion of your body or move over the body. There isn’t much we can do to prevent this symptom from occurring because it typically occurs involuntarily. While some people may be able to manage this feeling by calming down or by tightening and relaxing their muscles, this isn’t a symptom that we can control very often. While some people only feel this when they move their hands, feet, arms, or legs, others feel it constantly and independently of movement. Another possibility is that the stiff muscles are merely responding to the body’s hormones. Hormones and nerves directly affect muscles, and if any or both of these systems operate improperly, it may be because of how the chemicals in their environment have affected them. One of the worst things you can do when you have anxiety is Google your symptoms. You’ll discover that neurological ailments like MS and ALS are what lead to problems like buzzing and many other kinds of disorders. If you have concerns about any new or changing symptoms, you should always consult a doctor. But don’t worry—these ailments are uncommon, and your doctor is likely to be skilled at spotting them. Make sure you are not causing yourself more worry by researching all of your symptoms and convincing yourself you have the worst possible condition. What Causes the Buzzing Sensation in Feet, Hands, Toes, and Fingers? Another possibility is that the stiff muscles are merely responding to the body’s hormones. Hormones and nerves directly affect muscles, and if any or both of these systems operate improperly, it may be because of how the chemicals in their environment have affected them. One of the worst things you can do when you have anxiety is Google your symptoms. You’ll discover that neurological ailments like MS and ALS are what lead to problems like buzzing and many other kinds of disorders. If you have concerns about any new or changing symptoms, you should always consult a doctor. But don’t worry—these ailments are uncommon, and your doctor is likely to be skilled at spotting them. Make sure you are not causing yourself more worry by researching all of your symptoms and convincing yourself you have the worst possible condition. An electric buzzing sensation in the human body can be caused by a range of causes ranging from non-severe to serious issues, such as:  How Do You Get Rid of the Buzzing Feet, Hands, Toes, and Fingers? The buzzing feeling brought on by anxiety is still being studied by specialists. It is thought to have something to do with how hormones react to long-term, consistent stress in your body. The most effective strategy to halt the feelings is to deal with your anxiety. Treatment for Anxiety Disorders Drug therapy and psychotherapy are the two primary therapies for anxiety disorders. Combining these two tests may yield the best results if you’re experiencing buzzing as a result of anxiety. Exploring a few different therapies until you find the ones that work best for you may be necessary. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or psychological counseling, is working with a therapist to lessen the feelings of anxiety that you experience. It could work well as an anxiety therapy. For anxiety disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most successful type of psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), often a short-term treatment, teaches specific methods to help you manage symptoms and gradually resume activities you may have avoided due to anxiety. Exposure therapy is an additional form of therapy that aims to address the underlying concerns leading to anxiety disorders. It involves facilitating your interaction with things or circumstances you may have been avoiding. Additionally, your practitioner may combine exposure treatment with visualization and relaxation techniques. Medication Depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have and whether you also have other physical or mental health conditions, various types of drugs can help reduce symptoms. For example: Dr. Sonal AnandConsultant – PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 FAQs on Electric Buzzing Feeling in Body Q. What causes an electric buzzing feeling in the body? Any sensation of “buzzing” anywhere on or in the body might be caused by stress. Not everyone experiences tingling in their extremities the same way, although anxiety and panic episodes can contribute to such sensations. Additionally, neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, nerve irritation or compression, and adverse drug reactions affecting the nervous system, can all lead to an electric buzzing sensation throughout the body. Q. What are the symptoms of vibration? Vibration syndrome affects the nervous system and circulation in the fingers. Warning signs and symptoms include discomfort, blanching (becoming pale and ashen), and numbness. These symptoms may necessitate a medical examination for an accurate diagnosis and course of therapy, and they may vary depending on the underlying cause of the vibration sensation. Q. What are the different types of vibrations in the human body? Physiological vibrations from the respiratory or circulatory systems, pathological vibrations from neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, and external vibrations from factors like machinery or transportation are some of the various types of vibrations that occur in the human body. For an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment of related illnesses, it is essential to comprehend the origin and kind of vibrations. Q. When should I be concerned about experiencing electric buzzing in the body? If you are experiencing continuous, intense, or concurrent electric buzzing throughout your body, along with other unsettling symptoms like weakness, lack of feeling, or coordination difficulties, it is a cause for concern. Seeking medical assistance is advisable to obtain proper therapy and to rule out any significant underlying illnesses, such as neurological diseases or nerve damage. Q. Why is vibration a serious health issue? Vibration exposure, especially prolonged exposure, primarily leads

A large number of people are known to be deficient in vitamin D and face a plethora of health issues. Vitamin D deficiency is commonly associated with bone and muscle pain. Here’s how to get the right amount of it to maintain a good bone mineral density in people of all age groups. Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin is necessary for one’s overall well-being but did you know vitamin D helps to regulate calcium and phosphate in the body and improve your overall well-being? Moreover, enough vitamin D is also necessary for healthy bones and since it supports your bone health, try to include enough amount of this sunshine vitamin in your diet to stay fit and fine throughout life. Currently, a large number of people are known to be deficient in vitamin D and face a plethora of health issues since there is not much awareness regarding this sunshine vitamin and people fail to understand what exactly its role is. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Pankaj Gunjal, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals in Nashik, shared, “A good amount of vitamin D is needed in order to prevent metabolic syndromes, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, food allergies, and asthma.” He added, “Vitamin D deficiency is commonly associated with bone and muscle pain. You will be shocked to know that being deficient in vitamin D can lead to skeletal diseases. The right amount of it can help to maintain a good bone mineral density in people of all age groups.” Decoding the connection between vitamin D and bone health, he said, “Vitamin D aids in strong bones and muscles. Without the recommended amount of Vitamin D, one will not be able to absorb the calcium that is required for good bone health.” He cautioned, “Those children who are deficient in this vitamin can suffer from a condition called rickets leading to bone weakness, bowed legs, and other skeletal deformities like stooped posture. One can also have problems such as osteomalacia which is softening of bones, fractures, aches, and pains. Vitamin D decreases bone loss and reduces the risk of fracture in older men and women. So, along with calcium, vitamin D helps to keep osteoporosis at bay. To absorb calcium in the correct way, an adequate amount of vitamin D must be present in the body.” Suggesting how to get enough amount of Vitamin D, he advised, “It will be imperative for you to get enough amount of sunlight on a daily basis. Yes, that’s right! Try to expose yourself to the sun for at least 15-20 minutes between 10:30 am to 01:30 pm. Remember, overexposing can damage the skin so be careful. Make sure to include vitamin D-rich foods in the diet. Eat mushrooms, egg yolks, salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Take vitamin D supplements only after the doctor’s advice. Take a vitamin D3 test from time to time to check it and ensure that you stay hale and hearty. Also, avoid going overboard on vitamin D as high levels of it lead to nausea, vomiting, and weakness.” Dr. Pankaj GunjalConsultant Orthopedic SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals, Nashik To book an appointment call: +918669998260 Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/bone-health-tips-expert-on-ways-to-get-enough-vitamin-d-for-healthy-bones-101671524010364.html

In everyday life, it’s your shoulder doing all the work. It has to move in everything that you do. You use it for lifting, reaching out to pick up something, reaching overhead to get that book off the shelf, or even pitching a ball and swinging your bat.  You can do all of these activities since you have a supple, flexible shoulder joint with pristine cartilage and all the surrounding muscles working in rhythm. But everything that moves around so much and is like a “golf ball on a tee” is also more prone to get injured. You will be surprised to know that the shoulder joint is the body’s most injured joint. It’s the repetitive motion of the shoulder joint (especially strenuous overhead motion) for someone involved in activities like painting, hanging curtains, working as a hairdresser, and lifting heavy weights in a gym that takes a toll on this otherwise forgiving joint.  Your shoulder can get hurt in other ways too: Prevention The great news is that most of these shoulder pathologies are easily treatable without surgery.  Of course, ‘prevention is better than cure. Some simple ways to avoid shoulder pain are- Dr. Mohit M KukrejaConsultant – Orthopedic SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central

Have you experienced a time when every time you stood at the bottom of the steps and looked up thinking it was a physical endurance test to climb those stairs? Each step causes excruciating pain or extreme discomfort in the knees no matter how slowly or carefully you climb. The pain, which started in his right knee, now affected his left? Has knee pain ever caused you or a loved one to avoid activities? The reasons could be many. It may be due to damaged cartilage in your knee. The damage could be reversible (chondromalacia) or irreversible (arthritic) Why Does Your Knee Hurt When You Climb the Stairs? To answer that question, let’s review the mechanics of knee movement. Your knee joins three major bones: your thigh bone (femur), your shin bone (tibia), and your kneecap (patella). All three bones along with their associated ligaments and muscles must work in unison to support your weight and allow fluid leg movement. With each bend, the patella, a free-floating bone, slides over the femur in the trochlear groove. The articular cartilage keeps your kneecap in position as it cushions and lubricates the joint, so the bones glide against one another. Damaged cartilage may not cause pain when you walk, especially if it affects the knee cap cartilage in isolation. Running, deep knee bends, squats or climbing stairs subjects the knee to additional stress and the pain increases. These types of motions force the kneecap to slide up and down. Worn cartilage cannot keep the kneecap in the groove when the knee is under pressure. As the kneecap slips out of position, it causes pain. How is Knee Cartilage Damaged? Fractured bones or injured muscles can cause an imbalance of strength in the leg and pull the kneecap to one side of the groove or another. The added stress can cause misalignment and pain. Overuse injuries cause damage to the cartilage, especially in young athletes. Growing bones and excessive stress create a recipe for a chronic condition. Prolonged knee pain after activity indicates a more serious condition than normal muscle soreness from a strenuous workout. If you experience knee pain after working out, playing sports, or any strenuous activity that does not diminish in 72 hours, you may need medical attention. Genetic deformities and age are risk factors that cannot be modified but there are some things you can do to avoid the progression of your symptoms or delay damaging the cartilage. What is the Most Appropriate Treatment for a Runner’s Knee? The best way to avoid chondromalacia is to maintain the correct alignment of the kneecap and minimize wear and tear of the cartilage. Step 1: Develop strong and balanced leg muscles above and below the knee. These muscles support and stabilize the patella to keep it in the trochlear groove. Please remember that the muscles at the front of the leg act in opposition against the hamstrings to bend and straighten the knee. As one muscle contracts or gets shorter, the other muscle lengthens. An imbalance of strength can pull the kneecap out of position. Step 2: Assess your posture and the alignment of your feet and legs. Here are three tips to remember. Repeat the steps for each stair you climb. If your knee pain increases or lasts for more than two weeks, it’s time to contact your orthopedic specialist. Please note – Continuing to walk on a sore knee can cause significant internal damage to the tendons and ligaments inside your knee. Dr. Mohit M KukrejaConsultant – Orthopedic SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central

Everyone will have arthritis in their old age and post-menopausal woman may have arthritis at an early age. For the last 12-13 years, I am doing knee replacements in which I found that out of my total number of cases more than 60-70 % are female patients and usually they get operated on at the age of 60-70 years and males usually get operated in their 70-80s. Knee Replacement is rewarding surgery for those who really get disabled and should be get done at proper time not too early neither too late to keep you active in old age as it improves your activity and overall health. It gives you painless, mobile, and stable joints. A surgeon’s proper training and experience are a very important factor in deciding the best outcome of this surgery.Also truly speaking neither any advanced gadget like robot or navigation will give good result in inexperienced hands and it’s debatable nowadays all those fancy gadgets really required for experienced surgeons as long term outcome depends on a lot of other factors like age of the patient, associated medical conditions, obesity, cementing technique, bone quality, etc. Unless surgeon knows properly what is knee replacement he can’t use it and one who knows properly may doesn’t require it.Also, long-term results are yet to be proved. Usually, the patient is mobilized on the next day and within 3-4 days patient becomes comfortable walking with a walker and using the western toilet. Even stairs climbing can be started on the 5th day.By 2-3 weeks, the patient starts walking without support. This surgery gives dramatic results for those who are disabled due to knee pain.

While past generations often put off seeing a doctor for joint pain, today’s active adults are finding relief with total joint replacement surgery. Wear and tear on joints are a natural part of aging, so too are the inevitable aches and pains that come with it. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 56.6% elderly population in India. The bones that make up your joint surfaces are covered with a protective layer of cartilage that absorbs shock and vibration and allows the bones to glide smoothly during motion. Arthritis causes the cartilage to gradually wear away, resulting in a painful rubbing of bone-on-bone. All of your joints may be affected by osteoarthritis, although weight-bearing joints, such as the hip and knee, tend to be the most painful. Other joints such as the shoulder and elbow are also involved causing annoying pain and functional disability. People who cannot function day to day because of pain or having rest or night pains and have restricted mobility are good candidates for surgery. The main objective of joint replacement surgery is to replace the injured or wound joint surfaces with materials such as metal, plastic, polyethylene, ceramics, or a combination of materials. The material selected depends on the reason for the surgery, as well as which joint is being replaced. There are more varieties of artificial joints available now than ever before and orthopedic surgeons will help decide which option is the best for your individual needs. Results after joint replacement are more consistent now thanks to new techniques, technologies, and materials. Few knee replacements in selected patients can be done minimally invasive subvastus approach having faster recovery, short stay, and less pain. Also, there is no absolute age restriction for these surgeries with average ages of 50 to 80years. It is proved now that joint replacement tends to be easier when you prepare for it like weight reduction, preoperative exercise protocols, improve safety and comfort at your home for easier postoperative independent ambulation. Knee replacement is the most successful surgery in all of medicine and most people have a better quality of life. Hip replacement is also a very successful common surgery done by orthopedic surgeons mostly for avascular necrosis, hip fractures, and hip arthritis and making most patients ambulatory the second day after surgery. Patients with shoulder and elbow arthritis problems try to bear and tend to delay or avoid joint replacement for long. But in the last two decades with advancements in shoulder and elbow replacement, we are able to give predictable best functional outcomes. Patients should be encouraged for these surgeries to lead pain-free and functional daily activities of the upper limb. Joint replacement recovery can be long about 6 to 12 weeks and involves a lot of walking, daily exercises and rehabilitation program. Your new joint may feel or sound different, which is normal, but you will get tuned to it with time. Gradually you will have full recovery and can look forward to returning to active life and leaving pain behind. Joint replacement cost is often a concern for people considering surgery. Most health insurance plans cover this surgery and also many government schemes can be availed. Considering high burden of disease even package prices have come down considerably to make it more affordable. Joint replacement implants have mechanical components, which have wear and tear with them. However, more than 90%implants will last 15years at least. Some will last much longer. You can extend the life of your implant by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact activities, and staying fit and active. It is essential to have regular physiotherapy and orthopedic surgeon follow up to monitor implants for longevity. Patient awareness, education, improved healthcare facilities, gadgets, technological advances, implant inventory, improved pain management, and anesthesia practices have certainly made joint replacement a big boon to humans suffering from arthritis.

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed on the joints by a special instrument called an Arthroscope and has developed into a new and reliable technique in the field of medicine. There is not much awareness in society about it. In the last few years, radical changes have taken place in the medical field. Earlier, major surgery was required for the disorders, it was a combination of a large incision, excessive bleeding, longer hospital stay, and longer recovery time after surgery. But today, it is not like that. Due to the progress in the medical field, it has become possible to perform surgery without any major incision, as a result, the patient can recover faster and start his daily routine early. Let us now understand what Arthroscopy is and how it is done using an Arthroscope. Arthroscopy is a surgery performed on Joints with help of a special device known as an Arthroscope, which is only 4 mm wide. This device allows the doctor to see the structure of the joints clearly on a monitor screen and make it possible to operate on the joint without making a large incision. Knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, and ankle joints can all be operated with arthroscopy. If the patient has any complaints like cartilage tear, ligament tear, injury to cartilage, knee arthritis, injury to the knee cap, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear, frequent shoulder dislocation, all ailments can be treated by arthroscopy. Treatment is definitely beneficial. There is no need to be afraid of surgery at all, be it is a sports injury, arthritis, or an accidental joint injury, due to technological improvement it is effortless to operate on joints without any incision through Arthroscopy. This results in less bleed during the surgery, less pain, and the patient gets discharged from the hospital early, gets recover faster, and can start his daily routine early. Lastly but likely, for the sake of the patients, I would like to say that if they need surgery for joints, the possibility of the surgery through arthroscopy must be well taken into consideration. Dr. Ajinkya DesaleMS (Ortho), Fellowship in Sports Medicine & ArthroscopyConsultant – Sports Medicine & Orthopedic SurgeriesFor Appointment, Call: 0253-6624444

Wockhardt Hospital is the country’s premier hospital, specializing in the care of the musculoskeletal system. They benefit from the experience of their professionals, who provide comprehensive orthopedic treatment and care to their patients. The bone and joint program at Wockhardt Hospitals makes it a center for excellence in orthopedics with highly skilled clinical expertise. Total knee replacement is often the last option when conservative options fail to relieve the pain and retard the progression of joint damage in patients with severe arthritis. Conventional Knee replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of the knee joint with a synthetic implant. Nowadays the new technique called Customised Knee Replacement Surgery has brought in more patient satisfaction and better results for patients. How is the Procedure Different? A custom knee replacement is the novel technology in total knee replacement that uses an MRI scan of the knee to model your knee and then make custom designed cutting guides. T e procedure begins before knee replacement surgery with an MRI scan and X-rays to make exact measurements of your knee. Computer software transforms that MRI image into a 3-D model of your arthritic knee and then virtually rectifies any deformity so as to restore the knee to its pre-arthritic condition. Specially designed cutting guides are then made, which allows the surgeon to preserve more of the bone and ligaments to accept the knee replacement implant during the surgery, providing better accuracy and fit of the implant. What are the Benefits of a Custom Knee Replacement? Who is Eligible for Procedure? You are not a candidate for custom knee replacement if you have had previous corrective knee surgery or injured ligaments. Patients with knee implants, pacemakers, or vascular clips who are not eligible for an MRI scan are not eligible for a custom knee replacement. To know and understand the procedure and benefits please contact our centers at Wockhardt Hospital. The department of Bone and Joint at Wockhardt Hospital provides a continuum of treatment and care with an integrated system of orthopedic surgeons, supported by cutting edge technology and world-class infrastructure. Our goal is to treat patients right from everyday aches and strains, sports injuries, trauma management to major joint replacement injuries. Our department provides a comprehensive state of the art approach to the prevention, assessment, and treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. Wockhardt Hospitals is regarded as a center of excellence in the healthcare domain, having facilities in North Mumbai (Mira road), South Mumbai (Mumbai Central), Navi Mumbai (Vashi), Nagpur, Nasik, and Rajkot. Our prime objective is patient safety and quality of care at all levels. The guiding philosophy is to serve and enrich the Quality of Life of patients and to make life win.

It is a well-known fact that rheumatoid arthritis affects the bones but it actually has other effects on the body, making the situation worse for the patient. If your parents have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably already know how difficult and painful this journey is. Uneven stance and pain in the joints are some of the major concerns that you outrightly notice in RA but apart from that, there are other problems that go unnoticed.  That’s why it becomes all the more important for you to understand this problem to know how it is actually affecting your parents’ health.   What is Rheumatoid Arthritis and What are the Causes? As defined by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that majorly affects the joints and the bones. Auto-immune diseases basically make your immune system attack healthy cells in your body, leading to swelling and inflammation. According to the CDC, RA also affects other body organs like eyes, lungs, and heart due to which patients have to face other challenges as well.   Here are the 6 Major Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis Apart from Joint Ache: 1. Chest pain and breathlessness Do you know that rheumatoid arthritis has a major impact on the lungs? That’s because the patients develop interstitial lung disease or ILD where lung inflammation leads to scarring and fibrosis. The majority of people affected by this have severe RA. It only comes to notice when they complain of chest pain and breathlessness. CT scans and X-rays are used to detect it. “Unfortunately, people with rheumatoid arthritis don’t come to know about it as they are more focused on joint aches”, said Dr. Dipti Patel, Rheumatologist consultant, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. 2. Wrist numbness “In RA patients, carpal tunnel syndrome is seen primarily during pregnancy and when one gains weight. Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterised by the veins around the wrist getting compressed and causing numbness in the middle, index, and ring finger”, she explained. 3. Dry eyes and mouth The dry mouth and eyes syndrome is also known as Sicca syndrome. It happens due to the creation of antibodies in the body which causes Sjogren’s syndrome. “In Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammation of the eyes causes the white part to become red. Usually, people go to an eye specialist where they are told to meet an RA specialist”, she says. 4. Bumpy skin “Skin nodules are the direct manifestation of RA. It is primarily seen around the elbow area. This takes place in the case of longstanding or aggressive RA. Actually, fibre and tissue get accumulated at one place, creating a node in the skin which causes it to become bumpy”, she explained. 5. Heart problems It is rare but it can happen. According to a study published in the journal of BMC Rheumatology, people with RA have a higher risk of developing heart problems like high BP, high cholesterol, and diabetes. “In some cases, it can cause arrhythmia which leads to irregular heartbeats. But, it can be controlled by medication”, she says. 6. Raynaud’s phenomenon In RA, some people also develop Raynaud’s phenomenon. In this phenomenon, when an RA patient goes to cold places or sits in an air-conditioned room, s/he tends to get black fingers. This might also lead to ulcers and gangrene. “Sadly, there is no cure for RA. Only treatment for management is available which can control the condition and make sure further joint damage doesn’t take place,” she informs. Why are Women More Prone to it? According to Dr. Patel, women above the age of 40 are more prone to developing RA. Actually, women go through a lot of hormonal changes in their bodies at various stages of life like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgens influence the development of RA. That’s why women are at a higher risk of developing RA in the first year of their pregnancy as hormones change rapidly during that period. At times, women develop it at a much younger age than men. In fact, suffering from endometriosis might increase the risk of developing RA. If your parents have RA, you must watch out for all these problems to control them before they interfere with their life’s quality. Source: https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/family-care/apart-from-joint-pain-rheumatoid-arthritis-can-have-6-other-dreadful-effects-on-the-body/