AKUH 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' Programme

 "Arthritis is one of the most common diseases worldwide and is the leading cause of disability. It primarily affects people over the age of 45 years and is more common in women than men. According to research studies, one out of every five adults is affected by arthritis. The disease affects joints, skin, muscles and other organs. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which only affects the joints. In fact, most people over the age of 50 years show some signs of osteoarthritis as joints naturally degenerate over time. Other common types are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Septic Arthritis."

This was stated by Dr Riaz Hussain Lakdawala, Associate Professor and Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan, while giving a presentation on 'Arthritis: Prevention and Treatment'. Dr Lakdawala was speaking at the 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programme organised by the University Hospital at the Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi on June 7, 2005.

"Fortunately," he continued, "arthritis can be managed through a combination of medication, exercise, rest, body weight management, nutrition, and, in some cases, surgery." Having a positive mental outlook and the support of family and friends greatly helps the patient in coping with the disease and to continue to perform daily activities, he assured.

The exact cause is not known and it is believed that there is a combination of factors which contribute to the development of arthritis, like increasing age, a family history of the disease, overuse or abuse of a particular joint, injury, being overweight, and other diseases, he explained. "Rheumatoid arthritis may be an inherited disease that is triggered by a virus, bacteria, use of a medication, or excessive stress. Likewise other forms of arthritis run in families."

He pointed out the common signs "which are swelling, redness, tenderness in and around the joint, whereas common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and restricted movement of joints." He said the symptoms may begin suddenly or develop gradually over time and may also include sleeplessness, fatigue, depression, and muscle aches. "Many people experience some sort of difficulty following their routine, at home, at work or at play because of joint pain, stiffness and loss of motion regardless of the type of arthritis they have. Getting out of bed in the morning, closing buttons, writing, sewing, meal preparation, dressing, sleeping, walking, climbing stairs, standing up from a chair or a toilet seat and attending to matters of personal hygiene may all be impaired to some degree by arthritis pain and joint stiffness."

Highlighting the importance of consulting a doctor in time, he said the patient could start a treatment plan that would help slow the progression of the disease and protect joints. As regards the treatment of arthritis, he said that although most forms of arthritis are chronic, there are effective steps one could take to relieve the pain, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation and joint damage. "The treatment usually includes medicines, lifestyle modifications and sometimes surgery," observed Dr Lakdawala, adding however that exercise and weight reduction are vital.  

Earlier, Dr. Rubab Hasan, AKUH Patient Referral Coordinator in UAE welcomed the guests and described AKUH as a philanthropic, not-for-profit institution that is committed to the delivery of quality health care to all segments of society. "At present, 504 beds are available at this academic medical centre and the Hospital has become a major referral centre in Pakistan and regularly receives patients from the Middle East, East Africa and other regions," she added.

AKUH's Representative Office in Dubai was inaugurated in May 2002 and is located at the Oud Metha Office Complex, providing convenience and easy access to AKUH's high-quality, cost-effective services to patients in the United Arab Emirates.

As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment of creating awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH has organised over 180 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad and the UAE, benefiting more than 37,000 people.