Folk Cures Doubted

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31773, 2 September 1968, Page 22

Folk Cures Doubted

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. The so-called success of folk medicine “cures” for rheumatic diseases was based on the episodic nature of the symptoms, Professor J. H. Kellgren, professor of rheumatology at Manchester University said yesterday.

“In these diseases attacks of pain are followed by spontaneous recovery. A folk medicine ‘cure’ administered just before the recovery stage can therefore appear successful,” he said.

Professor Kellgren said that serious folk medicine remedies were worth investigating, however. Another myth about rheumatic diseases was that they were caused by cold, damp climates. “Those predisposed to these diseases feel more pain and discomfort in such climates.” Asked about the benefits of hot mineral pools in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, Professor Kellgren said immersion in hot, deep pools helped patients with stiff, painful joints. “The mineral content of the water is probably not significant.” Orthopaedic surgeons had an important part to play in the treatment of rheumatic

patients, Professor Kellgren said. “Joint structures don’t repair well. Artificial joints are now a real possibility. The artificial hip joint is first class.”

Professor Kellgren’s department in Manchester has been carrying out epidemiological surveys of rheumatic diseases, studying geographical and racial distribution.

“One thing we have found is that rheumatoid arthritis is fairly uniformly distributed all over the world—in the tropics, in the Arctic, and in all sorts of living conditions.” Questioned on the racial distribution of rheumatic diseases, Professor Kellgren said: “The New Zealand physicians are the experts at this. There is a higher incidence of gout among Maoris than among Europeans.” Recently an Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation was established in New Zealand. “These foundations play an important part in making research work possible," Professor Kellgren said. “The English Arthritis and Rheumatism Council has supported our epidemiological field investigations. Such foundations can really start something.” Professor Kellgren spent yesterday at Wellington Hospital, discussing cases in which orthopaedic surgery might have a part to play. He will spend nearly a

month in Dunedin, teaching undergraduates and giving a post-graduate course in rheumatic diseases. He will also be the major guest speaker at the forthcoming meeting of the Australasian College of Physicians.