The Indian patient often finds himself at the cross-road of so many systems of medicine available. In search of short term immediate gains, he tries each system.

           The doctors themselves do not pay attention to the patients problems. Tall claims are made by each doctor and various ‘pathies’. Each system whether it be allopathy, homeopathy or any other pathy, has significant limitations. Success depends upon the doctors EXPERTISE and DILIGENT long term management program.

           At a general practice level, often numerous drugs with differing potency are tried in a shotgun or ‘blunderbuss gun’ manner to provided quick relief. Often the patients suffer from side-effects of such medications. By the time a specialist is consulted, the patient is frustrated and has lost faith in medication.

           Surprisingly, supervised exercised/physiotherapy program are missing in most of the management plans. Concurrent medical illnesses are often overlooked.

           The patient moves from ‘pillar’ to ‘post’ and soon finds himself crippled by physical deformities and psychogenic stress.
Community misconceptions and superstitions about arthritis are widely prevalent and practiced in the Indian community and this further compounds the problem.

           Also, the patient is constantly bombarded by half baked advice from close relations, friends, acquaintances and even strangers who happen to meet him. Unlike in case of heart and other major diseases, the patient of arthritis is unable to hide his painful and deformed joint. The expense of treatment is a major factor governing the patient’s ability to seek relief.