Celebrating Bone and Joint Day which is on 4th August, the Indian Orthopedic Association observed “Bone and Joint week (29 July to 4th August 2014)” with a slogan of “Save the Bones and Save the Joints”. On this special occasion the association organized a special knee walk today, Sunday, 3rd August, 2014 which was flagged off from Lodhi Garden where patients with knee problems participated and walked. Government of India has named 4th August as Bones and Joint Day’. The core idea of this day is the belief that “strength of the nation lies in strong bones of countrymen”. Dr Jitender Maheshwari, President, Delhi Orthopedic Association, Senior consultant, Orthopaedics at Sitaram Bhartia and Director, Knee and Shoulder Clinic, was available to share details on the same. Senior doctors shared details on bone & joint scenario in India. Special doctor patient interaction highlighting problems & solution for Arthritis was also conducted.
India being the Arthritis capital of the world, we have 7% (84 million) population above 65 years of age with joint arthritis and osteoporosis. Most of the Indians develop osteoporosis (bone softening) at an early age, which is the most productive age of life hence it affects the earning capacity of family, society and country. The bones growth in size (volume and length) starts immediately after birth. The bones continue to increase in size till 18-21 years. The
bones continue to grow in volume till the age of 30 years. The bone volume attained at 30 years is called “Peak bone mass”. After 30 years the bone looses in volume by 1% every year and after menopause in females by 3% every year. The severe reduction in bone volume is manifested as “osteoporosis”. The loss of bone is such a slow process so that in spite of patient having vague generalised pain, early fatigability, it is difficult to diagnose bone softening and osteoporosis. It is diagnosed only when severe bone loss occurs and patient has developed fracture with trivial trauma.
“This is an effort to sensitize common man about the bone and joint health issues and advice about the remedial steps to prevent development of preventable bone and joint disabilities so that they remain healthy. The bone loss is minimized by good nutritious diet (Calcium, Vitamin D, proteins) and physical exercises. Early morning and 
evening sun exposure allows body to make vitamin D in human body. These simple steps can improve bone and joint health,” said Dr. Maheshwari.
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