Rheumatoid arthritis: Early diagnosis can delay joint disfigurement, says Liow

Liow (center) interacting with contestants in a coloring event at the 'Fly My 1 Dream'

KUALA LUMPUR: People with pains in their joints should get tested for rheumatoid arthritis as early diagnosis can help prevent permanent damage to the joints of wrists, fingers, knees, feet and ankles, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

"With early intervention, we can delay joint disfigurement as many people think it's just an ordinary illness until it is too late," he said, adding that some 0.5 percent of the Malaysian population suffered from Rheumatoid arthritis