Fall in mercury keeps Mumbai clinics busy

As the mercury drops steadily, hospitals’ outpatient departments and clinics across the city are seeing an increase in number of patients.

From runny noses and sore eyes to joint pains, the complaints are endless. Orthopedic surgeons have seen a 20% rise in number of cases.

Dr Shreedhar Archik, consultant orthopedic surgeon at Lilavati Hospital, agrees, saying that the most common problem is severe arthritic pain and stiff joints.

“In winter, the arthritic joint flares up and the pain increases. The most important thing for patients is to keep themselves covered in woollens, if not in multiple layers of cottons. Wearing a knee-pad or ankle support would help too,” he added, stating that using a hot water bag on the affected joints can be helpful at times.

Most orthopedic doctors say this season has been the busiest and that the patient load has increased by almost 20%. “This season is like an orthopedic surgeon’s nightmare. Though it is common in winters but this time the temperatures are quiet low,” said Dr Kaushal Malhan, consultant knee and hip surgeon, Fortis Hospitals, Mulund.

Exercise and physiotherapy can help too. “Most people tend to stay at home due to cold or pain, however, walking and exercises can help. Patients should be mobile and active all the time. For example for fingers, pressing a soft ball (available at chemists’ shop) would help,” said Dr Malhan.

Meanwhile, Mumbaikars heaved a sigh of relief from the H1N1 scare. Unlike in UK, the H1N1 strain has not seen resurgence in Maharashtra. According to state health officials, the H1N1 virus has claimed two lives in Maharashtra this month and only five people have tested positive. In November, two swine flu deaths were recorded and less than 10 positive cases were identified. Mumbai has not recorded any swine flu cases.