‘Walk’ for better bone health

Commemorating ‘Arthritis Week’, Rheumatology Association, Hyderabad Chapter, held a walk to create awareness on the disease at Necklace Road on Sunday, which was flagged off by Health Minister Dr Lakshma Reddy.

The ‘Walk’ was held in support of patients suffering from Inflammatory Arthritis.

Other dignitaries who attended KIMS Hospitals MD Dr B Bhaskar Rao; Dr K Manohar, Director NIMS; Dr Narasimulu, a senior Rheumatologist; Dr Sarath Chandra Mouli-President and Dr Rajkiran Dudam, Secretary for Hyderabad Rheumatology Association.

Rheumatologists from various hospitals in the city that included Dr PSR Gupta, Dr Laxmikanth, Dr AN Roy, Dr Jugal Kishore, Dr Varaprasad, Dr Liza, Dr Dheeraj, Dr Naresh and others have attended the walk.

Singers Malavika and Srikrishna performed as part of the cultural activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Dudam highlighted, “Amongst arthritis, osteoarthritis is most common and is seen after 50 years of age but can also occur in young people. Next is Rheumatoid Arthritis which is prevalent amongst up to two per cent of the population.

Rheumatoid Arthritis mainly causes pains in hand joints which will not allow us to do our day to day activities, and if not treated early they might lead to deformities of hands and knees.”

“Arthritis can also affect young men in the form of Spondyloarthritis which leads to severe back pain and compromising their ability to do their jobs. Arthritis can also affect children and if not treated early can lead to deformities of the knees, hips and can make children handicapped forever,” he said.

“This can be very well prevented if diagnosed early and treated,” informed the doctor.