MASSH-Prolife Hospital Highlights Elderly Joint Health Concerns in Ludhiana Ahead of World Health Day

Ludhiana : Ahead of World Health Day, which is celebrated on April 7 every year to raise awareness about health issues, MASSH Prolife Hospitals, Ludhiana, organized a press conference focusing on orthopaedic issues among senior citizens. The discussion, led by Dr. Munish Goyal, Senior Consultant - Orthopaedics, Spine & Sports Injury, highlighted the alarming rise in joint and bone-related problems among the elderly population in the city.

As part of its commitment to orthopaedic health, MASSH Prolife Hospital is launching a special initiative to provide bone and joint health checkup and treatment at subsidized rates. In alignment with World Health Day (April 7) and its mission to promote overall well-being, the checkup camp will be available at the hospital from April 1 to April 15.

During the session, Dr. Goyal outlined the most prevalent orthopaedic issues affecting Ludhiana’s senior citizens, including knee joint pain, hip joint pain and lower back pain. He emphasized that lifestyle choices, urban dietary habits like rich processed foods that lack essential proteins and nutrients, contribute significantly to the rising cases of joint deterioration.

“Over the past year, a substantial number of elderly individuals in Ludhiana have sought medical treatment for joint pain and arthritis, highlighting the growing burden of orthopaedic conditions,” said Dr. Goyal. “Notably, we are observing a decreasing average age for knee and hip replacement surgeries, now around 60-65 years.”

The press conference also shed light on the impact of post-COVID complications on joint health. Out of the patients visiting the OPD daily, 50 to 60 percent of cases are related to arthritis or joint pain. According to Dr. Goyal, joint pain cases among senior citizens have almost tripled post-pandemic, further worsening their mobility issues.Moreover, 40-50% of elderly patients delay seeking medical attention, mostly due to unawareness and lack of knowledge about the exact symptoms of these conditions, despite the fact that 90-95% of cases can be effectively treated with proper medical intervention.

In terms of treatment, Dr. Goyal emphasized the importance of early intervention. “For early-stage knee problems, oral medications and exercises can be effective. However, for advanced cases with Grade 4 degeneration, knee replacement becomes necessary. Similarly, hip replacements are often required due to old injuries from a young age or fresh hip injuries and fractures,” he explained.

To prevent orthopaedic issues, he advised regular consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon after the age of 60 and the use of calcium supplements as preventive measures.

The press conference concluded with a strong message on the importance of proactive healthcare measures to ensure a better quality of life for Ludhiana’s senior citizens. As World Health Day approaches, the insights shared by Dr. Goyal aim to encourage greater awareness and timely action to address joint and bone health concerns in the elderly community.