Convention moots integrated approach to tackle osteoarthritis

For the first time in Bengaluru, doctors from both Allopathy and Ayurveda joined together to find solutions to osteoarthritis (The wearing down of the protective tissue at the ends of bones).

Orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, geneticists, yoga therapists, naturopathy specialists, ayurvedic consultants, radiologists, physiotherapists and pain consultants among others participated in the osteoarthritis conference (OACON) that was held on Sunday.

Senior joint replacement surgeon and People Tree Hospitals CEO Dr Chandrashekar Chikkamuniyappa said that by 2025, India will become the osteoarthritis capital of the world with 60 million cases.

“What is even more shocking is that people in the age group of 30 to 50 years of age are falling prey to the disease, which has a reputation for catching the elderly, especially women,” he added.

According to doctors, there should be an integrated approach to the disease as more people are falling prey to the disease. Various treatments were suggested by the specialists.

The conference witnessed various associations across the nation taking part, such as, Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA), S-VYASA University, Karnataka Orthopaedic Association (KOA), Indian Rheumatology Association, Karnataka Chapter (IRA), Bangalore Orthopaedic Society (BOS) and Karnataka State Physiotherapy Federation (KSPF).