Ahmedabad: Hundreds of people are expected to participate in a walkathon at the Sabarmati riverfront on Sunday to raise awareness about rheumatological diseases. Dr Sapan Pandya, associate professor of rheumatology at SVP Hospital and vice president of the Indian Rheumatology Association, explained that rheumatological conditions can be broadly classified as local, systemic or non-inflammatory, and inflammatory.
Understanding Rheumatological Conditions
Dr Pandya elaborated that local conditions include osteoarthritis and degenerative diseases of the knees or spine, which are commonly linked to age-related wear and tear. Non-inflammatory conditions include a prolapsed disc, which involves some inflammation but is largely a mechanical issue. Inflammatory diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, which is more common in women and causes swelling and pain in multiple joints, such as fingers and wrists, along with morning stiffness lasting more than an hour.
Prevalence and Awareness
While rheumatoid arthritis is very common, affecting one in 100 people, other rheumatological conditions are rarer. The goal is to improve the ratio of diagnosis and treatment. Dr Pandya noted, "We have only about 2,000 rheumatologists in India, including physicians. Awareness needs to be increased both within the medical fraternity and among the public. Many patients lose jobs and cannot work due to deformities, damage, or complications of unrelenting disease."
Personal Stories Highlight the Need
Experts shared the case of an individual who was brought to the hospital by his father after developing pain in the buttocks and stiffness in the back. The father, who had experienced similar symptoms, sought early treatment for his son to prevent him from suffering the same debilitating pain. An organizer stated, "We want to dispel myths and educate citizens about various conditions through the walkathon."
