World Arthritis Day: Understanding Joint Pain — Causes, Myths & Modern Treatments ,Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur

By Dr. Romil Rathi, Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur.

Every year, World Arthritis Day is observed on October 12 to raise awareness about one of the most common yet misunderstood conditions — arthritis. Affecting millions of people worldwide, arthritis is not just an “old age problem” but can impact anyone, including young adults. Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur aims to educate the public about prevention, early diagnosis, and advanced treatment options for joint health.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis literally means “inflammation of the joint.” The most common forms include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. It leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility in joints, commonly involving knees, hips, and hands. Wockhardt Hospitals provides comprehensive care for all types of arthritis, from conservative management to advanced surgical solutions.

Common Myths vs. Facts

• Myth: Arthritis only happens to elderly people.

  Fact: It can affect younger individuals too, especially after injury, obesity, or autoimmune disorders.

• Myth: Exercise worsens joint pain.

  Fact: Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga actually strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.

• Myth: Joint pain is irreversible.

  Fact: Early diagnosis and modern treatments at centers like Wockhardt Hospitals can significantly slow down damage and restore movement.

Modern Treatment Options

Thanks to medical advancements at Wockhardt Hospitals, patients now have multiple treatment choices — from medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modification to minimally invasive surgeries and robotic joint replacement. Minimally invasive and robotic knee or hip replacement surgeries offer faster recovery, smaller scars, and more natural joint movement — allowing patients to walk pain-free within days.

How to Keep Your Joints Healthy

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints

• Do regular low-impact exercises

• Take a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D

• Avoid self-medication and seek professional advice for persistent joint pain at Wockhardt Hospitals

Message for the Day

“Joint pain is not a normal part of ageing. With early care and the right treatment, life after arthritis can be pain-free and active.”

— Dr. Romil Rathi, Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur