* Pre-Departure COVID-19 PCR  Swab & Serology Test for Travellers available at AIPC, Make your appointment at Tel: 6694 1661. Click here for more details.

What is Osteoarthritis?

WHAT IS MEANT BY ARTHRITIS OR RHEUMATISM?

Unfortunately, these common terms produce a considerable amount of fear and concern for many people.

Rheumatism is a vague term used to describe aching in joints and muscles, and the word should be avoided.

Arthritis means inflammation of the joints, but there are over 100 different types of arthritis. The most serious is rheumatoid arthritis, which is uncommon. The most common osteoarthritis, which is usually not serious and causes only minor discomfort in some people.

WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

This is a condition that occurs during the body’s normal ageing process as a result of wear and tear of the joints. It is also called degenerative joint disease.

The smooth gristle or cartilage that covers and protects the ends of the bones at the joints is gradually worn away. The joints become rough, and stiffness and inflammation can develop.

X- rays are taken to confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis; all other tests done have normal results. X- rays show some degree of osteoarthritis in 1 or more of the joints of 9 out of 10 people over the age of 40.

HOW DOES OSTEOARTHRITIS BEGIN?

The most common reason for loss of cartilage is wear and tear due to ageing, but many people never notice it.

It commonly develops in joints that were injured earlier in life (such as with sporting injuries) or joints that have been overworked (such as those in the fingers of a knitter or the feet of a ballet dancer).

Osteoarthritis mostly affects the weight-bearing joints such as the spine, knees and hips (especially in over-weight people) resulting in joint or knee pain, but the base of the thumb and the ends of the fingers are common sites also.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS?

The severity of osteoarthritis symptoms varies, but usually they are pain, swelling and stiffness of the affected joints. Stiffness is usually worse in the morning. Joint pain is worse after excessive or prolonged activity such as walking for a long time. Movement may be difficult and interfere with normal activities.

HOW SERIOUS IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Osteoarthritis seldom becomes a serious problem and does not threaten one’s life. It does not cause the crippling deformities of joints seen on the rarer serious forms of arthritis.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS?

There is no cure, but there are many ways to make life more comfortable and keep you mobile and independent. Surgery can relieve a joint that is very stiff and painful.

DIET

Keep your weight down to avoid unnecessary wear on the joints. No particular diet has been proved to cause or improve osteoarthritis.

EXERCISE

Keep a good balance of adequate rest with sensible exercise (such as walking, cycling or swimming), but stop any exercise or activity that increases the pain.

HEAT

A hot- water bottle, warm bath or electric blanket can soothe the pain and stiffness. Avoid getting too cold.

WALKING AIDS

Shoe inserts, good footwear and a walking stick can help painful knees, hips and feet.

OSTEOARTHRITIS MEDICATION

Aspirin and paracetamol are effective pain-killers for mild osteoarthritis. Your doctor may prescribe anti-arthritic medications, but few may have to be tried to find the one that works best for you. The tablets should be taken with food.

NOTE: TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE HAD A PEPTIC ULCER OR GET INDIGESTION.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

It is possible to increase your independence at home. There is a wide range of inexpensive equipment and tools that can help with cooking, cleaning, and other household chores. These can be discussed with physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

The Arthritis Foundation in your city is able to provide information about many aspects of arthritis.

Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.

---

Difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Health Assessment & Screening Packages

---

Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness in a COVID-19 Infection

Comorbidities & Underlying Health Conditions in COVID-19 Patients with Complications

·       Hypertension

·       Diabetes mellitus

·       Cerebrovascular disease

·       Cardiovascular disease

·       Chronic lung diseases including COPD

·       Chronic Kidney disease

·       Asthma

·       Dementia

·       Chronic Neurological Disorders

·       Cancer

·       Rheumatological Disorder

·       Obesity

·       Smoking

·       Chronic Hematologic disease / Haemoglobin Blood Disorders

·       Liver disease / Hepatitis B Infection

·       Malnutrition

·       Immunodeficiency / Immunocompromised eg HIV AIDS

·       People aged 65 and older

(Ref: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-020-0642-3.pdf, Dailymail.co.uk, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32320003/, Comorbidity and its impact on 1590 patients with Covid-19 in China: A Nationwide Analysis https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/03/17/13993003.00547-2020

---

Lung, Neurological, Liver & Kidney Diseases

---

Co-infection of COVID-19 with other infectious diseases is possible.

Reduce your risk of getting sick with COVID-19

• Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. People older than 65 years, and those with many underlying conditions, such as those who are immunocompromised or with significant liver disease, are recommended to receive vaccinations against influenza (Flu 2020) and pneumococcal disease (PCV). Click here for Vaccination schedules (NAIS/NCIS).
  
• Do not delay getting medical care for your underlying condition because of COVID-19. AMDA International Peace Clinic has contingency MOH infection prevention protocols to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care for your underlying condition.
• Continue your medications and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your doctor.
• Make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of your chronic disease medications.
• Call AMDA @ Tel: 6694 1661 for a medical appointment if you have any concerns about your underlying medical conditions or if you get sick. AMDA is a PHPC-accredited medical clinic. Under the MOH Swab & Go Home programme, our doctors can do a COVID-19 PCR Swab test if you meet the MOH medical crtieria.

Management of Joint Pains & Gout

---

Healthy Diets for Optimal Health

Rhonda Patrick on Diet-Gene Interactions, Epigenetics, the Vitamin D-Serotonin Link and DNA Damage

Our genes influence the way we absorb and metabolize micronutrients. Nutrigenomics looks at the influence genetic variation has over micronutrient absorption/metabolism and the biological consequences of this dynamic relationship. Our diet also influences which of these genes are turned on or off! Emerging evidence in the field of epigenetics has demonstrated that not only can we change the expression of our own genes within our own lifetime; sometimes these changes are heritable and affect our children and grandchildren. In this talk we’ll be exploring the intersection between genetics, nutrition, and environment: how your diet, micronutrients, exercise, heat stress, and sleep can change the expression of your genes and how this has profound effects on the way your body functions and ages.

Rhonda Perciavalle Patrick, Ph.D. is an assistant scientist at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute working with Dr. Bruce Ames. She investigates the effects of micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) deficiencies on metabolism, inflammation, DNA damage, and aging in people. She also researches the role of vitamin D in brain function and dysfunction.

In addition to Rhonda’s active role as a researcher, she also functions as a science communicator for a broad lay audience via her web and video presence found at FoundMyFitness.com. She is passionate about disseminating health-related information in a way that the general public can easily understand. She is a frequent speaker and writer on topics ranging from general health and wellness, to diet and aging, to vitamins and their effects. It is Rhonda’s goal to challenge the status quo and encourage the wider public to think about health and longevity using a proactive, preventative approach.

Rhonda earned her Ph.D. in biomedical science from the University of Tennessee and performed her graduate research work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in biochemistry/chemistry from the University of California, San Diego. She has done extensive research on aging, cancer and nutrition, and metabolism.

Public Health Preparedness Clinic

National University Health System Primary Care Network

Singapore Ministry of Health Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)

The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.

Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.

Dr Don V H LAU   Chairperson of AMDA Singapore

MBBS (Monash), B.Med.Sc.(Hons) (Monash), Grad.Dip.Derm.(Wales,UK)

AMDA International Peace Clinic is a part of AMDA (Association of Medical Doctors of Asia). We are part of the network of AMDA Peace Clinics & Friendship Hospitals around the world. We participate in AMDA's worldwide Emergency Disaster Aid Relief missions, Social Development projects and Vaccination programmes.

AMDA, founded in 1984 has carried out more than 200 medical missions, contributing medical expertise and supplies in 65 countries over the last 36 years. AMDA holds General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1995.

AMDA International Chapters   Afghanistan Albania Bosnia & Herzegovina Bangladesh Bolivia Cambodia Canada Colombia Guyana Haiti Honduras India Indonesia Kazakhstan Korea Kosovo Malaysia Mongolia Nepal New Zealand Pakistan Peru Philippines Sakha Republic Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan Taiwan Uganda Vietnam Zambia

Follow us for COVID Updates & Health Tips!

AMDA Medical Team

Together, Being here for you.

Doing Our Best in the COVID-19 Pandemic!

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
― John Wesley

Risk Factors of COVID-19 Complications

---

For Medical Professionals

Learn from the China Experience on COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

INTERVIEW of Dr Shigeru Suganami, Founder & President of AMDA - Association of Medical Doctors of Asia, Medical Director of AMDA International Peace Clinic with Mr Ando of JPlus Magazine Singapore (in Japanese / Part 1 of 8)

INTERVIEW with Dr Shigeru Suganami, Medical Director of AMDA International Peace Clinic (in Japanese / Part 2 of 8)

INTERVIEW with Dr Shigeru Suganami, Medical Director of AMDA International Peace Clinic (in Japanese / Part 3 of 8)

INTERVIEW with Dr Shigeru Suganami, Medical Director of AMDA International Peace Clinic (in Japanese / Part 4 of 8)

AMDA International Peace Clinic

9 Taman Serasi #01-11, Botanic Garden View

Tel : 65-6694-1661  Fax : 65-6694 1771

Email : info@amda.sg

Clinic hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am-12.30pm / 2pm-6.30pm    Saturday: 9.30am-1pm

*Last registration is 30mins before the closing time

Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

- Cashless service with most International Insurance companies and Insurance Medical cards are accepted

- Japanese, German, French & Mandarin-speaking Doctors and Medical staff.

Please contact us at Tel: 66941661 to make an appointment.

OUR MEDICAL TEAM

Dr Don Lau – Medical Director

MBBS (Monash), B Med Sc (Hons) (Monash), Dip Pract Derm (Wales, UK)

Chairperson of AMDA Singapore

---

Medical Conditions Treatable with Chiropractic:  

• Head & Neck – Neckaches/ Spondylosis/ Wry Neck/ Whiplash/ Headaches/ Migraine/ Facial Palsy
• Back – Back Strain/ Slipped Disc/ Scoliosis/ Sciatica/ Spondylosis/ Spondylolisthesis/ Spondylolysis
• Shoulder – Frozen Shoulder/ Rotator Cuff Tear/ Impingement Syndrome
• Elbow – Tennis Elbow/ Golf Elbow
• Hip / Knee – Anterior Knee Pain/ Runner’s Knee/ Meniscus Injury/ Ligament Injury
• Foot – Plantar Fasciitis/ Heel Pain/ Metatarsalgia
• Joint – Arthritis/ Cartilage Wear & Tear/ Osteoarthritis
• Ligament – Sprains/ ACL Laxity/ Ankle Sprain
• Muscle – Strains/ ITB Tightness/ Hamstring Tear
• Tendons – Tendonitis/ Repetitive Strain Injury/ Tendinopathy
• Sports Injuries
• Obesity – Exercise & Meal Planning 
• Post Operation/ Hospitalization
• Fibromyalgia

Dr Lee Sao Bing – Opthalmologist (in-house Specialist)

MBBS, MMed(Ophth), FRCSEd(Ophth), MD, FAMS

Dr Pang Yoke Teen – ENT (Visiting Consultant)

FRCS (ORL), FRCS(EDIN), (FRCSGLASG), FAMS, MBBS

AMDA International Peace Clinic

Medical Services

• General Practice Family Medicine
• Minor Surgical Procedures / Laser Treatments
• Management of Chronic Diseases (Diabetes / Hypertension / Heart Disease / High Cholesterol Management)
• Chiropractic Pain Management (Joint pains, Knee Pain, Back Pain, Migraine, Sports Injuries)
• Chiropractic Shockwave Treatment / Deep Muscle Stimulator DMS Therapy
• Dermatology Treatments - Skin Problems (Eczema, Acne, Rash & Hives, Boils, Dermatitis, Pigmented or Dry Skin, Moles, Skin Tags, Corns & Calluses, Wart, Treatment of Insect Bites & Stings)
• Dermoscopy - Non-invasive Detection of Skin Cancer
• Allergies Test & Management / Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis / Asthma Management
• Vaccinations / Immunization (National Adult Immunisation Schedule / National Child Immunisation Schedule / Influenza)
• Infectious diseases & Virology (COVID-19, Dengue, Flu, Hepatitis B)
• Respiratory Medicine - Cough, Wheezing, Shortness of breath
• Eye Health / Ophthalmology (Conjunctivitis, Foreign body in the Eye)
  
• Ear Nose Throat / ENT Rhinoscopy (Nose Bleed-Epistaxis, Snoring & Sleep Apnoea, Vertigo & Dizziness, Removal of Ear Wax)
• Audiogram – Hearing test
• Personal Health (Stomach ache, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heartburn, Treatment of Gout)
• Elderly / Senior Health (Arthritis)
• Men's Health
• Women's Health (Osteoporosis, Heavy Periods, Breast lumps, Urinary Tract Infection, Anaemia, Tremors)
• Child Health & Nutrition / Paediatrics
• Travel Health (Vaccinations / Travellers' Diarrhoea)
• Health Assessment, Screening & Management / Blood tests
• Pre-Employment check-up / Work Permit / Employment Pass / Student Pass / Driving License Check-up
• Obesity / Weight control
• Neurological Disorders / Dementia Screening
• Depression / Anxiety Management
  
• Insomnia & Stress Management

Minor Surgical Procedures :

·       Injection for Supraspinatus or Bicipital Tendonitis / Epicondylitis / Trigger finger / Plantar Fasciitis

·       Tendon Sheath Injection

·       Excision of small Skin tumours / Lipomas / Nail bed / Ear lobe cysts / Meibomian cyst

·       Removal of Skin sutures / Skin tags / Sebaceous cysts / Various foreign bodies / Corneal foreign body

·       Liquid Nitrogen Therapy

·       Treatment of Plantar Warts / Calluses / Corns / Ganglions

·       Splinters under nails

·       Olecranon and Pre-patellar Bursitis

·       Ear syringing

·       Embedded earring stud

AMDA International Peace Clinic dedicates part of our profits to AMDA's Worldwide Emergency Disaster Aid Relief missions, Social Development projects & Vaccination programmes.

Dr Shigeru Suganami

Founder & President of AMDA - Association of Medical Doctors of Asia

AMDA Activities

AMDA Emergency Aid Relief Kumamoto Earthquake Apr 16

DONATE TO AMDA

Email : Admin@AMDA.sg