Persistent Joint Pain Needs Early Attention, CARE Hospitals Warns Ahead of World Arthritis Day

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Behera, Clinical Director & HOD, Dept. of Orthopaedic and Joint replacement surgery, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, and Dr M Ranganath Reddy, Chief Consultant, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Aster Prime Hospital, Hyderabad, explain why early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and regular follow ups matter for preserving joint mobility.

Persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness should not be dismissed as unavoidable effects of ageing, doctors have cautioned ahead of World Arthritis Day on October 12. CARE Hospitals is encouraging people to recognise recurring symptoms and seek medical evaluation before joint problems begin to interfere with everyday activities.
The awareness initiative focuses on early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and continued joint care to help people manage arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
The need for greater awareness is reflected in findings from a 2025 study published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases under the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) India Project.

The study screened 56,548 people and reported musculoskeletal pain prevalence of 16.14% among participants. Osteoarthritis prevalence was estimated at 4.39%.
The findings also indicated differences between rural and urban populations, with musculoskeletal pain reported among 20% of rural participants compared with 10.3% of urban participants.
These figures point to the importance of recognising musculoskeletal symptoms and improving access to appropriate medical assessment across communities.

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Behera, Clinical Director & HOD, Dept. of Orthopaedic and Joint replacement surgery, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, said, “Persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness should not be dismissed as routine signs of ageing, particularly when they begin to interfere with everyday activities. Timely medical evaluation can help identify the underlying condition, determine the appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of avoidable complications. Patients experiencing recurring symptoms should seek professional advice rather than rely on self-medication or delay consultation,”
The burden of knee osteoarthritis was also examined in a systematic review and meta analysis published in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics in 2025.

Drawing on 16 population based studies, the review estimated a pooled knee osteoarthritis prevalence of 20.24%. The findings varied considerably across the studies, making appropriate interpretation and clinical assessment important.
Doctors advise people experiencing recurring joint pain, prolonged morning stiffness, swelling or restricted movement to consult a qualified medical professional rather than assume the symptoms are related only to age.
Clinical evaluation and appropriate investigations can help identify the underlying condition and guide treatment decisions.
Depending on medical advice, ongoing management may include prescribed medication, physiotherapy, suitable physical activity, regular reviews and weight management where appropriate.

Doctors also caution that a suddenly painful, hot or swollen joint, particularly when accompanied by fever, requires urgent medical attention.
Dr M Ranganath Reddy, Chief Consultant, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Aster Prime Hospital, Hyderabad, said, “Arthritis management requires a consistent, individualised approach rather than focusing only on immediate pain relief. Appropriate treatment, regular follow-ups, suitable physical activity and adherence to medical advice can help patients manage symptoms and preserve functional ability. Recognising changes in joint health and acting on them early can make a meaningful difference to a person’s mobility and independence,”

Through its World Arthritis Day initiative, CARE Hospitals is drawing attention to the importance of recognising changes in joint health and seeking medical guidance when symptoms persist.
The hospital emphasises that timely assessment, appropriate treatment and continued care can help people manage symptoms, maintain movement and reduce the effect of arthritis on daily activities.

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