More than one third of the local population above 50 years of age is suffering from Osteoarthritis with no less than 4.5 million Karachiites inflicted with the condition, experts said addressing a seminar at Liaquat National Hospital (LNH). Speakers including Dr Mohammad Asim Khan from Cleverland Ohio-US, Dr Raza Jaffery, Dr Shahid Noor and Dr Shahab Ghani addressing the programme discussed varied treatment methodologies and ongoing research to prevent and handle the condition hampering mobility and normal daily life activity of the patients.
The guest Speakers, Professor Mohammad Asim Khan said Osteoarthitis has largely emerged as a treatable condition and with the introduction of new drugs its intensity has also decreased improving life quality of sufferers.
He mentioned that the cited medication extensively prescribed in the developed world are not easily available in the country adding that administered under professional supervision these are safe producing astonishing results.
Dr Khan, however, warned that these drugs must not under any condition be self administered adding that positive results of the medication registered in different parts of the world could lead to its application in developing countries including Pakistan.
Dr Raza Jaffery referring to preventive aspect of the disease sought regular exercise, brisk walking and controlled body weight to contain the incidence rate of arthritis and relevant diseases.
Rending that over weight and obese individuals are common victims of bone related diseases and thus it is pre requisite for all to ensure a balanced diet and adequate intake of Vitamin D adding that people must also ensure timely intervention as soon as notice symptoms of arthritis which includes pain while climbing stairs, swelling of join and so forth.
After addressing a panel discussion the speakers including Dr Shahid Noor, Dr Shah Ghani and the above mentioned speakers noted that dated treatment facilities were available in the country.