AN increasing number of young people are being diagnosed with arthritis, data gathered from city hospitals indicate.
The condition now accounts for 80 percent of bone and joint diseases.
Arthritis, which tops the list of disabling diseases according to the World Health Organization, is posing a growing threat to Shenzhen residents because of the humid climate, a Shenzhen Economic Daily report said.
It is no longer unusual to find the disease among people aged from 40-50, while normally arthritis is likely to affect people older than 60, said Lin Bowen, director of the Bone and Joint Department of Shenzhen No. 1 People s Hospital.
This is because of changes in lifestyles and exercise habits. Extended use of electric fans and air conditioners contributes to the illness and either a lack or excess of exercise can harm the joints, which could lead to arthritis, Lin said.
Xu Chiduo, director of the Rheumatism Department at Shenzhen No. 2 People s Hospital, said about 80 percent of outpatients visiting the hospital suffered from arthritis.
There were at least 100 million arthritis sufferers in China, with an average incidence rate of 8 percent, Xu said.
Arthritis should be treated as early as possible.
It can be cured as long as you have been correctly diagnosed, said Lin.
Experienced doctors can usually identify the type of arthritis with the help of X-rays, and patients with early-stage arthritis can alleviate the condition through changes in diet and lifestyle.
Lin suggested people help prevent the disease by keeping their joints warm during autumn and winter.
(Tina Chen)
