Latest news with #SharmilaTulpule
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Orthopedic surgeon says 'even modest weight loss' can reduce osteoarthritis risk: Here's everything women should know
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 60 percent of the 528 million people with osteoarthritis (OA) globally are women, and 73 percent of those affected are over the age of 55. The WHO reports that the knee is the most commonly affected joint, followed by the hip and hand. Also read | Nearly one billion people globally will have osteoarthritis by 2050: Lancet study Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder that affects many women. (Freepik) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sharmila Tulpule, orthopaedic surgeon, regenerative medicine specialist, and founder and director of Orthobiologix Biotech Pvt Ltd, said that osteoarthritis, long thought of as a 'wear-and-tear' disease, has become incredibly complex, especially for women. The prevalence of osteoarthritis, a type of joint disorder that occurs due to cartilage breakdown in the joints, is expected to increase with ageing populations and rising rates of obesity and injuries. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for OA, you can take steps to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. According to Dr Tulpule, below are the factors concerning osteoarthritis in women: Hormonal changes and menopause ● Estrogen decline during menopause accelerates cartilage degradation, increasing OA risk. ● Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may offer some benefits but requires careful consideration due to potential risks. Obesity and metabolic factors ● Obesity is a significant risk factor for OA, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees. ● Excess weight increases joint stress and systemic inflammation, exacerbating OA symptoms. ● Even modest weight loss can reduce OA risk and improve joint function. Physical activity and joint health ● Regular, moderate physical activity strengthens muscles around joints, enhancing mobility and reducing pain. ● Conversely, sedentary lifestyles contribute to joint stiffness and muscle weakness. Mental health and quality of life ● OA can lead to depression and anxiety, particularly in women, affecting overall well-being. ● Addressing mental health is crucial for effective OA management and improving quality of life. By understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for OA, women can take steps to manage the condition and improve their quality of life. (Freepik) What to know about regenerative therapies Dr Tulpule said, 'Regenerative therapies offer a more holistic approach by addressing the underlying causes of OA rather than merely alleviating symptoms. They are particularly beneficial for women seeking alternatives to invasive surgeries and medications.' According to Dr Tulpule, stem cell therapy holds promise as a regenerative treatment for knee osteoarthritis, offering potential benefits in pain reduction and functional improvement. Explaining platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, Dr Tulpule said it utilises growth factors from the patient's own blood to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. 'Studies indicate that PRP can provide longer-term pain relief and functional improvement compared to traditional treatments like hyaluronic acid (HA) injections,' she said. Dr Tulpule added that gold-induced cytokine therapy is a novel regenerative treatment that involves incubating the patient's own blood with gold particles, enhancing the anti-inflammatory and reparative properties of platelets. Studies have shown that it can lead to significant improvements in pain and function in patients with knee OA, with minimal adverse effects, she said. Management and prevention 'For women, osteoarthritis is not just a joint issue — it intertwines with hormonal health, body weight, lifestyle, mental wellness, and occupational context,' Dr Tulpule said. According to her, a nuanced approach means: 1. Advocating early detection especially during menopause. 2. Promoting preventive strategies combining diet, weight management, and exercise. 3. Considering hormone-based therapies for symptomatic relief when appropriate. 4. Supporting women's mental health alongside physical care. 5. Raising community awareness on how everyday activities shape OA risk. Dr Tulpule concluded, 'By addressing the unique facets of OA in women, clinicians can shift from reactive interventions to proactive, personalised care. This not only delays disease progression, but preserves mobility, dignity, and quality of life for millions of women worldwide.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
News18
23-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Women And Joint Pain: Why Early, Pain-Free Intervention And Lifestyle Changes Matter
Last Updated: Ignoring early warning signs of joint pain can lead to chronic discomfort, limited mobility, and a painful, invasive treatment. Joint pain is usually viewed as a trivial matter, an acceptable part of ageing, motherhood, or athleticism. But such a frequent complaint should be taken more seriously, particularly because, for so many women, the pain begins early and accelerates stealthily. Women all over India are suffering from joint-related issues such as knee pain, backache, and stiffness at relatively younger ages. What is concerning is not so much the incidence, but the inclination to put off treatment. Often, women continue to manage pain with over-the-counter remedies, home treatments, or simply ignore it until it begins to affect their mobility and quality of life. There are several reasons why women experience joint pain more frequently. Dr. Sharmila Tulpule, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Regenerative Medicine Specialist; Founder & Director, Orthobiologiox Biotech Pvt. Ltd shares the reasons. Hormonal: Reduced estrogen after menopause can reduce natural joint and cartilage shielding. Anatomical differences: A woman's broader pelvis and joint alignment cause more stress on the knees and lower back. Life activities: Most women juggle jobs, homemaking, caregiving, and frequently have no time for rest or organised exercise. These demands can place repetitive strain on joints. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis also affect more women and may cause long-term joint pain and inflammation. Despite all of this, early warning signs are often ignored or normalised. Joint disorders such as osteoarthritis or back problems usually begin with mild symptoms- morning stiffness, mild pain, or tiredness. These early symptoms are easy to overlook, but responding to them can retard or even stop damage. Holding off until the pain is bad usually restricts what can be done and raises the likelihood that surgery will be necessary. Early diagnosis permits easier, less disruptive treatments and improved long-term results. Treating joint pain no longer equals depending solely on pain medication or surgery. Regenerative therapies now provide safer, non-surgical alternatives using the body's natural healing power. Dr Tulpule shares some of the most important therapies. These are: PRP Therapy: Applies platelets from your blood to alleviate pain and aid in healing. Stem Cell Therapy: Repairs injured cartilage and slows down joint deterioration. Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS): Relies on proteins from your blood to combat inflammation. Fat-Derived Injections: Utilises cells from your body fat to cushion and repair joints. These treatments are most effective in the early stages and can help women stay active, avoid surgery, and reduce long-term discomfort. Prevention And Lifestyle Matter Maintaining joint health goes beyond just medical treatment, it requires a more holistic approach. Dr Tulpule notes that key lifestyle factors play a crucial role, including maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints, staying physically active with low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or yoga, and ensuring proper nutrition, particularly adequate levels of vitamin D, calcium, and anti-inflammatory foods. It's also important to monitor hormonal changes, especially during and after menopause, as these can significantly affect joint health. First Published:
