World Arthritis Day is being observed in Pakistan and around the world to raise awareness about arthritis, a condition affecting more than one billion people globally.
The day aims to improve public understanding of these conditions and encourage people to seek medical advice when symptoms appear.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disease. It is a general term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joints and other connective tissues. Common forms include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Health experts say that for decades, joint pain was often perceived as a condition that marked the end of an active life. However, with early diagnosis and timely treatment, patients can now manage the disease and lead fulfilling lives.
According to specialists, joint-related problems can develop with age, and many people tend to overlook pain in their bones and joints. They emphasise that early diagnosis is essential to managing the condition and preventing further complications.
Dr Mahmood Riaz, Rheumatologist at Aga Khan Hospital, highlighted the importance of recognising and addressing joint-related symptoms at an early stage.
Effective treatment can stop damage and prevent disability—painkillers alone are not enough.
He added modern treatment includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, targeted therapies, short courses of steroids, plus physiotherapy, exercise, weight management and smoking cessation.
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The goal is to control inflammation, achieve remission or low disease activity, and prevent erosions, deformity, work loss and disability. Treatment must be regular, monitored and adjusted—never stopped on your own.
Dr Riaz further said arthritis is not just aches and pains of ageing; persistent joint swelling and morning stiffness need early rheumatology care, because modern treatment can prevent permanent damage and disability.
Dr Saman Ali, Rheumatologist at Aga Khan Hospital, also emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. Joint swelling and other symptoms may become increasingly severe, particularly among women, and require proper medical assessment.
Specialists say that age-related bone and joint conditions can often be managed with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, delays in seeking medical care may lead to complications and, in some cases, the need for surgery, making treatment more expensive.
