Nepal needs joint effort to fight joint pain
Summary
Osteoarthritis is affecting a growing number of Nepalis, with chronic joint pain reported by nearly one in five adults in the 2019 national health survey. Experts say Nepal needs earlier diagnosis, better awareness, and coordinated care to prevent disability and reduce unnecessary surgery.
Key Points
- Nearly one in five Nepalis aged 15-69 reported chronic joint pain in the 2019 national health survey, and osteoarthritis burden has risen in Nepal in recent years.
- Orthopaedic surgeon Bhaskar Raj Pant says osteoarthritis is often misunderstood as a normal part of aging, which delays proper care and leads many patients to rely on painkillers, supplements, or surgery as the only options.
- The article calls for a joint effort from surgeons, physicians, physiotherapists, researchers, and policymakers to expand early diagnosis, rehabilitation, and patient education.
- Meena Risal’s long delay in seeking care shows how late treatment can leave patients with severe mobility loss and wheelchair dependence.
