Call to treat arthritis early

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 4

Call to treat arthritis early

Some of the worst effects of arthritis, which strikes seven out of 10 New Zealanders. could be lessened if victims sought earlier diagnosis and treatment, the Arthritis Foundation believes. Mr Ewart White, the director of the foundation, said that many sufferers left it too late to seek help. "By then the disease is often so entrenched in joints and muscles that even the best treatment cannot prevent the sufferer from becoming semi-crippled, with restricted movements of limbs." said Mr White. The foundation hopes to launch a programme in schools to encourage people

to seek treatment earlier, and to help the young to understand the effects of arthritis and its symptoms. Mr White said that although children and young persons could develop arthritis, most victims were stricken in middle age or later. Many ignored the first symptoms because they were able to stand the pain and discomfort. When the pain becomes severe, as it usually does, it is often too late for doctors to provide any significant relief." said Mr White. He believes that the foundation's efforts to increase awareness of arthritis I have saved many from the i

most crippling effects of the disease. Ten years ago, said Mr White, 70 per cent of those being treated for arthritis eventually became partly crippled. Now, because people were more aware of the disease and sought treatment earlier, only 30 per cent of those visiting their doctor with arthritis became severely crippled.