Health

Orthopaedic experts on Sunday raised concerns over a sharp rise in hip arthritis and avascular necrosis (AVN) cases among younger and middle-aged Indians in the post-COVID period, warning that severe hip damage linked to steroid use during the pandemic is driving a surge in total hip replacement surgeries across the country.  Speaking at the 2nd Delhi HIP 360 Conference here, leading orthopaedic specialists said hospitals are witnessing a growing number of patients in their 30s and 40s suffering from advanced hip joint damage, stiffness, limping, and difficulty in walking. The conference was organised by the Delhi Orthopaedic Association in association with the Indian Arthroplasty Association and brought together orthopaedic surgeons, arthroplasty specialists, fellows, and residents from...

In a unique case, two sisters aged 76 and 74 underwent simultaneous knee replacement surgery at a Mumbai hospital, and were able to walk within 24 hours of the procedure.  The surgeries were performed by Dr Mudit Khanna, who is the consultant joint replacement surgeon, at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, with both women showing rapid recovery despite their age. The sisters had been struggling with knee pain for years—one for nearly a decade, while the other developed symptoms more recently. As their condition began to affect daily activities and mobility, they were advised Total Knee Replacement (TKR) — a procedure in which damaged knee joints are replaced with artificial implants to relieve pain and restore movement. Their decision to undergo surgery together is what set this case a...

A concerning spike in Indian endometriosis cases among women who are in the age group of 25 to 30 years is now raising concerns about reproductive health and fertility in younger women. Earlier considered more common in women in their early 30s, the condition is now being diagnosed increasingly in younger age groups. Modern lifestyle patterns include sedentary routines, a lack of regular physical activity, higher consumption of junk and processed foods, irregular sleep cycles, and hormonal imbalances. These factors can affect ovarian function and menstrual health, potentially increasing the risk of developing endometriosis. One such case is that of a 25-year-old Mumbai woman, a working professional who has always led a busy life, but started facing difficulties with her health. In 2024, s...

Ahead of World Blood Cancer Day, observed on May 28 every year, Indian health experts warn that many blood cancer patients in India still struggle to find matching donors in time for life-saving stem cell transplants, often losing crucial treatment time as the disease progresses. While stem cell transplantation remains the only curative treatment option for several blood cancers, severe donor shortages, delayed diagnosis, and India’s limited donor registry continue to impact timely access to treatment across the country. Blood cancer in India Blood cancer remains a major life-threatening health concern in India, with over 1 lakh people diagnosed every year and more than 70,000 lives lost annually. For many patients battling blood cancer, a blood stem cell transplant is often the only ho...

Uncontrolled hypertension is silently driving a sharp rise in stroke cases across India, with younger adults also increasingly at risk. Experts warn that delayed treatment can lead to disability and death linked to stroke. It is necessary to manage hypertension and prevent a stroke. India is witnessing an alarming rise in hypertension-related stroke cases. Uncontrolled hypertension, long working hours, lack of exercise, excessive salt intake, poor sleep, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and uncontrolled diabetes are increasing the burden of stroke among both older and younger adults.  Experts warn that hypertension, often ignored due to lack of visible symptoms, is now emerging as one of the leading causes of stroke in the country. According to the Indian Council of Medical ...

With over 10 crore people living with diabetes in India, diabetic neuropathy remains a commonly observed complication, with nearly one in four individuals estimated to experience some form of nerve damage. Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), along with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), cause nerve pain in the hands and feet that feels like tingling, numbness and burning sensations, disrupting sleep, limiting mobility and making everyday activities uncomfortable. To counter this pain, individuals often seek generic muscle pain relief solutions which fail to provide targeted relief against nerve pain. However, solutions containing natural ingredients like Capsaicin (an active compound derived from chilli peppers) can help soothe irritated nerves, providing targeted symptomatic relief ...

After delivering the baby, a mother’s health needs as much attention as the baby’s. A timely post-delivery check-up helps detect hidden issues and supports a safe recovery.  Dr Payal Narang, consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital Lullanagar, Pune says, “Motherhood brings joy, but the body goes through major physical and emotional changes after delivery. While utmost care and attention are given to the newborn, it is also necessary to avoid neglecting your health. New moms have to take charge of their well-being as weeks after childbirth, known as the postpartum period, are very important for recovery. Regular check-ups during this time can help identify complications early and ensure the mother regains her strength safely. It is imperative to go for a post-delive...

Doctors in Kolkata have successfully treated a 66-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh who travelled over 1,500 kilometres to undergo a highly complex angioplasty.  The procedure, performed using one of the latest-generation coronary stents that was recently launched globally, restoring the man`s cardiac health. It was conducted under the expertise of (Prof.) Dr. Rabindra Nath Chakraborty, head of the Department - Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass.  The man from Visakhapatnam, has shared a remarkable 27-year-long association with Dr Chakraborty. His cardiac health journey began in 1999 at the age of 41 and residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he suffered a mild heart attack and was referred to Hyderabad for a life-saving angioplasty after investigations revealed a major arteria...

That instant relief you feel stepping from a scorching 45-degree Celsius afternoon into an 18-degree Celsius air-conditioned office feels incredible. Beneath the surface, however, your skin experiences that transition very differently. This drastic temperature drop creates acute cellular stress, a phenomenon known as thermal shock. Over time, these rapid environmental shifts compromise the skin`s protective lipid matrix, leaving it dehydrated, tight, dull, and highly sensitive, even in people with otherwise normal skin. To combat this, dermatologists recommend a strategy called barrier-buffering—using targeted ceramide mists, aquaporin boosters, and lightweight occlusives to help the skin navigate extreme temperature swings seamlessly. The cellular science of thermal shock In intense he...

With temperatures soaring in different parts of the country, Dr. Anubhuti Rana, associate professor from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, said that heatwave is a serious situation for pregnant women. She urged the expectant mothers to take special precautions during the prevailing weather conditions.  Speaking to IANS, Dr. Rana said: "Pregnancy is anyway a special condition for women where there is an increased demand for the mother and the baby." "Heatwave can cause exhaustion and dehydration, which affects both the mother and the foetus," she added. Advising special care for pregnant women during the heatwave, she said: "They should drink a lot of water, coconut water and `shikanji`. Take frequent rests and eat good...