A Senior Physiotherapist at the General Hospital, Ijede, Lagos State, Mrs Abimbola Ladi-Okeneye has described osteoarthritis as an acute or chronic inflammation that may affect any moveable joints in the body.
At an event by the hospital to commemorate this year’s World Physical Therapy Day, Ladi-Okeneye explained that osteoarthritis is the most common and degenerative joint disease in the form of arthritis that could affect the knees, hips, spine and hands.
While informing that the disease could start with a minor or major injury to any part of the joint, she pointed out that about 25 percent of adults are affected by the ailment and that it affects more women than men in older age groups.
She said: “The occurrence increases with age, in the age group below 50 years. It affects the male gender than the female, while in older age groups, it affects women more”.
Ladi-Okeneye further said that primary osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage which affects the fingers, thumbs, spine, hips and knees, adding that secondary osteoarthritis can be attributed to bony fractures, obesity, occupational stress and inactivity among others.
According to her, symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, limited movements, muscle weakness, joint stiffness and mild swelling around the joint, which reduces health-related quality of life among other symptoms.
“Keeping a healthy body weight, preventing injury to the joints, paying attention to pain in the joints, being active every day, controlling the body sugar level, and daily exercises are some of the ways to prevent osteoarthritis”, Ladi-Okeneye said.
The Senior Physiotherapist, however, urged members of the public to desist from over-the-counter drugs in treating joint pains, adding that visiting the hospital and speaking to a qualified physiotherapist whenever the need arises would go a long way in helping to manage or prevent Osteoarthritis.
Every 8 September is recognised by the World Health Organisationas World Physical Therapy Day and this year’s theme is “Osteoarthritis, the Role of Physiotherapy in the Prevention and Management”.
