A recent survey conducted by healthcare provider Pristyn Care has unveiled a critical gap in awareness and action concerning bone and joint pain among the Indian population. The survey’s findings are particularly relevant as the nation observes National Bone and Joint Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy bones and joints.
The study found that an alarming 60 percent of individuals experiencing persistent joint aches and pain do not seek professional medical advice. This neglect underscores a significant disconnect between awareness and proactive healthcare measures regarding the specific health issues. Notably, only half of the respondents reported being aware of the specific health issues.
Further compounding the issue, over one-third (32.18 percent) of respondents indicated a family history of bone and joint-related issues, highlighting the genetic predisposition to these conditions. Despite this, a staggering 67 percent of participants had never heard of a Bone Density Test, a crucial diagnostic tool for early detection of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
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Dr. Vaibhav Kapoor, Co-founder of Pristyn Care, stressed the urgency of addressing this knowledge gap. “Today, as we observe National Bone and Joint Day, the findings of our study highlight a pressing issue in Indian healthcare: a significant lack of awareness about bone and joint health. With 45% of the respondents uninformed about these critical health concerns, there is an urgent need to prioritize public education and awareness initiatives. By providing the necessary tools and knowledge, we can empower Indians to take proactive steps towards better bone and joint health, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of our nation,” he stated.
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Echoing these concerns, Dr. D.K. Das, Senior Orthopedic Surgeon and Founder of Cure My Knee, commented on the survey findings, “The combination of widespread joint pain and a significant family history of bone issues indicates a critical need for enhanced preventive healthcare. The fact that 60% of individuals have not consulted a doctor about their symptoms highlights a disconnect that could result in missed diagnoses and untreated conditions. We must bridge this gap to improve early detection and treatment, reducing the incidence of severe bone and joint diseases.”
The survey’s findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public education campaigns to promote bone and joint health. By increasing awareness of symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options, it is hoped that more individuals will prioritize their bone health and seek timely medical care.