From news18.com/lifestyle
Arthritis affects far more than joints from heart health to emotional well-being but modern treatments and holistic care are helping patients regain active, fulfilling lives
When most people think of arthritis, they imagine stiff, painful joints, knees that ache or hands that no longer move as freely. Yet, as medical experts emphasize, arthritis extends far beyond the joints. It’s a complex, systemic condition that can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s physical and emotional well-being.
“When patients come to me with arthritis, they usually focus on their painful knees. But what they don’t realize is that arthritis affects their entire body and life," says Dr Deepak Saini, Senior Consultant and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Shalby Hospital, Jaipur. “The constant inflammation can increase their risk of heart problems, we’re seeing more arthritis patients developing cardiovascular issues."
This connection between chronic inflammation and heart health has gained increasing attention. Studies suggest that inflammatory chemicals involved in arthritis may contribute to the build-up of arterial plaque, heightening the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Beyond the physical, arthritis also exerts a heavy emotional and social toll. “Many of my patients experience exhaustion that never goes away, no matter how much they rest," adds Dr Saini. “Depression is another major issue because pain limits what they can do. They start avoiding social gatherings and family functions."
As mobility decreases, another vicious cycle begins: reduced movement leads to weight gain, which further increases pressure on already damaged joints. “It’s a domino effect," he explains. “But the important message is that arthritis is manageable if we treat it holistically. From medications to lifestyle changes, and in advanced cases, modern surgical interventions with state-of-the-art implant technology, we have effective ways to stop this progression and help patients reclaim their active lives."
Arthritis: More Than Pain, It’s a Life-Altering Condition
“People think arthritis is just about joint pain, but I see how it devastates every aspect of my patients’ lives," agrees Dr. Ashwani Maichand, Director, Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital, Punjabi Bagh, Delhi. “A 55-year-old who loved playing with his grandchildren suddenly can’t get on the floor. A working professional starts missing days at work because fatigue is overwhelming. And what’s worse is isolation. They stop going out, stop exercising, and their overall health declines."
Dr. Maichand emphasizes that the consequences of arthritis go well beyond mobility issues. “When movement becomes painful, people begin withdrawing not only from physical activity but also from social life," he says. “That isolation and inactivity worsen mental health and can accelerate other chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity."
Modern Medicine Offers Hope
Despite these challenges, both experts highlight a powerful message: the story doesn’t have to end in limitation.
“We’re in an era of remarkable medical advancement," says Dr. Maichand. “Whether it’s targeted therapies for early-stage arthritis or robotics-assisted joint replacement procedures, we can intervene effectively. I’ve seen countless patients return to activities they thought were gone forever."
Early diagnosis is critical, he adds, because intervention at the right stage can prevent cascading complications. “Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan make all the difference in preventing these effects," he stresses.
Dr. Saini echoes this sentiment. “We now approach arthritis not just as a joint problem but as a whole-body condition. By integrating lifestyle modifications, nutrition, medication, physiotherapy, and advanced surgical options, we can give patients both mobility and quality of life."
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Both doctors underscore that managing arthritis effectively requires a multidisciplinary approach addressing inflammation, mental health, physical function, and social well-being.
“Arthritis care has evolved from simply treating pain to restoring life," says Dr. Saini. “It’s about helping patients move without fear, sleep without pain, and live without constant fatigue."
As awareness grows and access to modern medical technologies expands, patients no longer have to accept a life of limitation. With early detection, expert care, and a holistic treatment plan, arthritis can be managed, mobility restored, and life reclaimed one step at a time.
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