Lucknow: A misplaced faith in ‘tel malish’ (oil massage), castor oil applications and over-the-counter painkillers is pushing thousands of osteoarthritis patients towards advanced joint damage, with many seeking medical care only after years of avoidable deterioration, orthopaedic specialists in the city have warned.
Ahead of World Arthritis Day on Oct 12, doctors said patients often spend five to 10 years relying on home remedies and self-medication before consulting specialists.
They reach us only when walking becomes difficult or the joint starts deforming,” said Prof Shailendra Singh of KGMU’s orthopaedics department. “We see 150 such patients daily in OPD,” he added. “Many are stunned when they learn that joint replacement is the most effective option left,” he added. Doctors said delayed treatment is not confined to rural or less-aware populations. Doctors said early diagnosis allows patients to manage the condition through exercise, weight control and lifestyle changes, helping delay progression and preserve mobility. “The earlier patients seek help, the better the chances of protecting the joint and avoiding major surgery,” said Prof Singh.
By then, chronic pain, difficulty in walking and joint deformities have often narrowed treatment options to surgery. “Most patients try oils, massages and painkillers for years. The delay frequently leaves patients unprepared for the severity of their condition. Even educated patients often abandon treatment once symptoms subside, returning only after irreversible damage has set in. Some patients may also benefit from partial knee replacement, which retains healthy portions of the joint. Their advice was simple: do not mask persistent joint pain with temporary relief.