Tag: Apollo Spectra Pune

Health

A Sharp Rise in Arthritis Cases have been observed During Winter: informs Doctor

Dec 16, 2021 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Apollo Spectra Pune, #Arthritis, #Doctor, #Dr. Ashish Suryavanshi, #Dr. Vishwajeet Chavan, #muscle spasms, #Winter

Winter weather can be especially harsh on those who suffer from arthritis. The bone-chilling cold during winter can flare up arthritis leading to pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness of the joints. Thus, a majority of patients will feel uncomfortable as arthritis impacts their quality of life. Keep those achy joints warm by dressing appropriately, opt for physical activity to enhance strength and flexibility, boost energy and ease the pain. Get enough vitamin D as being deficient in it can lead to joint pain. Skip sugary foods that cause inflammation in the body.

Just like other allergies and infections, even arthritis can flare up during winter. Arthritis means the inflammation of the joints. “Winter can lead to a surge in cases arthritis. A significant fall in the barometric pressure, which often occurs as cold approaches, causing joints to expand and become painful. Low temps may also increase the thickness of the synovial fluid that acts as the joint’s shock absorber, making joints stiffer and sensitive to pain. So, when pressure lowers, tissues swell, building tension between joints, and causing pain.

Dr. Vishwajeet Chavan, Orthopedic Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Pune Said, “About 70 patients with arthritis visit the outpatient department every month. However, since the onset of the cold, the number of patients has increased, and now 85 to 90 patients are complaining of joint pain in the age group of 55 to 80. Women are more prone to joint pain in winter than men. Hence, joint pain is 5% higher in women than in men. Hot water compression can be opted for to stay warm during the colder days and manage arthritis.

Cover your hands, knees, legs, and all arthritis-prone areas by dressing in layers. Stay hydrated as dehydration can make you more sensitive to pain. Don’t forget to exercise indoors to improve the symptoms like joint stiffness and muscle weakness, and also take warm showers. Eat omega-3 fatty acids to lower inflammation in the joints. Add avocado, flaxseeds, walnuts, and fish to the diet. Stress triggers arthritis pain, do yoga and meditation. Low levels of vitamin D might lead to arthritis pain. Take vitamin D supplement after consulting the doctor. Avoid heavily processed, sugary and fried foods, alcohol, and colas that trigger joint pain.”

Dr. Ashish Suryavanshi, Orthopedic, Lokmanya Hospital Pune Said, I am seeing 5-6 patients on daily basis with complaints of arthritis. Rise in 25% cases compared to last year. The woman above 50 years are largely seen compared to man.”

There are more muscle spasms in colder temperatures leading to joint pain. The cold climate reduces the blood circulation to the fingers and toes, which also causes arthritis pain. Less sunlight during winters can lead to lower vitamin D levels and weakened joints. Thus, many rheumatoid arthritis patients find it harder to control symptoms during chilly days.” added Dr Suryavanshi

Health, News

Prolonged Use Of Steroids Causes Bone Tissue Death In Post-Covid Patients…

Jul 13, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Apollo Diagnostics, #Apollo Spectra Pune, #Consultant Pathologist, #Dr. Anand Jadhav, #Dr. Keerthi Prakash Kotla, #Orthopedic Specialist

Pune: The Coronavirus disease 2019 is a global epidemic, and steroids have been widely used in the treatment of it. After Mucormycosis, avascular necrosis (AVN), a new health complication that causes the death of bone tissues can be seen in many post-Covid patients owing to the long-term use of corticosteroids (especially at high doses). It is the need of the hour to stop misusing steroids to stay in pink of health.

Covid-19 cases continue to rise in India. When one gets infected with Covid, there is an initial phase where the virus replicates and grows in the body. Then there is inflammation in the second week, and steroids are administered to the patients to lower inflammation. They are not medications that are given without any thought and caution. Excessive and prolonged use of steroids to treat Covid-19 can suppress natural immunity when used for patients with low oxygen levels. Many patients using steroids have encountered problems like Avascular Necrosis (AVN).

“Earlier, mucormycosis or black fungus was seen in post-covid patients. Now, Avascular necrosis (AVN) is also another worrisome problem seen during the first and second wave of Covid owing to the use of steroids. Around 10-15 patients with AVN visit me every month for treatment. Avascular necrosis also called osteonecrosis can be termed as the death of bone tissue owing to the lack of blood supply. It can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone collapses. A broken bone or dislocated joint can interrupt the blood flow to a section of bone,” said Dr. Anand Jadhav, Orthopedic Specialist, Apollo Spectra Pune.

Dr Jadhav added, “In AVN patients, there is increased pressure in the bones inside the sphincter. Its rigid structure causes pain to patients. Core decompression surgery is performed if the AVN is in the first and second stages. This reduces the pressure inside the ball. Joint replacement surgery is the only option to reduce permanent pain in the third and fourth stages of AVN disease. However, surgery is not required if AVN is diagnosed early. Therefore, if the Covid patients on steroids having groin or thigh pain are advised to take an MRI or X-ray to check if they have AVN of the hip. ”

Dr. Keerthi Prakash Kotla, Consultant Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostics, said, “Large-scale use of life-saving corticosteroids in Covid-19 cases causes the resurgence of AVN cases. Pain related to avascular necrosis of the hip might also be felt around the groin, thigh, or buttock. Besides your hip, it may also affect your shoulder, knee, hand, and foot. Hence, on complaints of hip and thigh pain, diagnosis can be done by early X-ray, CT scan, MRI and bone scan of the hips. Limit your alcohol intake, monitor cholesterol levels, do not misuse steroids without a doctor’s knowledge, and avoid smoking to manage AVN.”