KATHMANDU, Jan 16: People experiencing aching joints in their arms and legs commonly believe the cause is bone or nerve-related, leading them to seek help from orthopedists. However, arthritis often causes a great deal of pain. One should treat these symptoms right away to avoid serious problems.
Doctors say that arthritis is a likely cause of joint pain while resting, or after sleep, or upon waking. Many Nepali patients with these symptoms opt for alternative treatments, thus exacerbating their condition.
Arthritis patients often seek treatment for bone and nerve problems, notes Dr. Sudhir Karmacharya, a rheumatology specialist at the National Center for Rheumatic Diseases. “Bone or nerve problems cause joint or bone pain to intensify with activity, whereas arthritis pain worsens during rest,” he explains.
He notes that those with arthritis may experience bone, back, or rib pain that is particularly bad at night. Symptoms such as stiffness or swelling in the fingers upon waking, knee pain, heel pain, burning or tingling sensations in the soles, aching or cracking in the calves, muscle weakness, recurring rashes or non-healing wounds on the skin, frequent sores in the mouth, recurring redness or pain in the eyes, and bluish discoloration of hands and feet when working in the cold are associated with arthritis, he informed.
Many people in Nepal are unaware of arthritis, leading them to seek incorrect treatments. "Most arthritis patients use uric acid medications, and doctors often prescribe these medications as soon as they detect elevated uric acid levels," he said.
Clearing up the confusions
Arthritis patients often experience more than just uric acid issues, he said and added that due to a lack of awareness, people in rural areas take dust medications or non-prescribed drugs. Doctors report that only 10% of arthritis patients in Nepal seek proper treatment, while 90% either receive incorrect treatment or suffer from the disease’s complications. Around 8 million people in Nepal are estimated to have arthritis.
A recent study by the National Center for Rheumatic Diseases reveals that 27 percent of people in Nepal experience arthritis or arthritis-related muscle pain. Conducted in collaboration with the American College of Rheumatology and the League of Rheumatology since 2022, the study tested 30,000 people in both the Kathmandu Valley and rural areas, finding that 27 percent reported arthritis and arthritis-related muscle pain.
The study is going on, and the initial report provides the above information. and Dr Karmacharya shared the findings. The study ranks knee arthritis first, followed by rheumatoid arthritis, uric acid issues, and lupus arthritis in young women, according to Karmacharya. The detailed report is still under preparation.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis can sometimes be caused by genetic factors, but in most cases, it results from a disorder in the immune system, leading the body to harm itself. Arthritis can be caused by various factors, including pneumonia during cold weather, hormonal imbalances, or smoking, which disrupt the immune system. There are over 200 types of arthritis. In Nepal, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, uric acid-related arthritis, and spinal arthritis are most commonly observed.
According to Dr Karmacharya, the common symptom of any type of arthritis is joint pain. In arthritis, the main symptoms are pain in the joints, including the arms, legs, face, back, and spinal bones. Initial symptoms also include fatigue, stiffness in the limbs, weakness, and numbness.
If these symptoms appear, one should undergo a health checkup with a rheumatology specialist. If left untreated, arthritis can affect other organs in the body, leading to complications such as kidney damage, fluid buildup in the lungs, and joint deformities. Some people experience rapid effects from arthritis, while for others, the condition worsens over time.
Not all doctors are knowledgeable about arthritis
Dr Karmacharya explains that not all doctors are aware of arthritis, and the lack of timely and appropriate treatment forces patients to endure complications. He points out that Nepal has a few arthritis centers and specialists, and the insufficient knowledge among healthcare workers prevents patients from receiving timely care. "Only about 18 arthritis specialists exist across Nepal, which is extremely low compared to the number of patients," he said.
Given the current situation, he recommends that the government train local healthcare workers to identify arthritis and offer basic treatment at the local level.
On the occasion of World Arthritis Day, the National Center for Rheumatic Diseases organized a week-long arthritis awareness campaign. During the inauguration ceremony, Health and Population Minister Pradeep Poudel announced that the government would initiate training programs for healthcare workers across the country on arthritis. He also highlighted efforts to promote arthritis treatment through telemedicine technology.
Dr Binay Vaidya, a rheumatology specialist at the National Center for Rheumatic Diseases, stated that the center would run arthritis awareness campaigns in all accessible areas and conduct free camps. "We are ready to provide training on arthritis to necessary health institutions," he added.
On this occasion, the center, in collaboration with the Badri-Tirtha Arthritis Society, launched the arthritis awareness campaign in the capital. The upcoming events include a musical program, a photo exhibition, and free arthritis testing at the National Center for Rheumatic Diseases throughout the week.
