Why more young Nigerians are developing arthritis – Experts

Arthritis is broadly perceived as a situation affecting solely the aged, however specialists warn that an growing variety of younger Nigerians at the moment are being recognized with the illness.

Whereas degenerative arthritis, notably osteoarthritis, is extra frequent in older people, specialists say youthful individuals are more and more presenting with the illness on account of way of life selections, accidents, and different medical circumstances.

Ambrose Ogbue, an Orthopaedic and Traumatology surgeon with Irrua Specialist Instructing Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, confirmed this development, stating that arthritis is turning into extra frequent amongst younger Nigerians in comparison with earlier years.

Mr Ogbue attributed this rise to a number of elements, one in every of which is trauma to the joints.

“Trauma to a joint will lead to what’s referred to as secondary osteoarthritis, which is extra frequent in younger individuals,” he defined.

In line with the WHO, arthritis is a broad time period encompassing joint ache and illness, with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being the most typical sorts, characterised by irritation, ache, and stiffness.

Infections, self-medication

Mr Ogbue additional defined that accidents sustained from street accidents or sporting actions might contribute to secondary osteoarthritis by damaging the joint cartilage.

One other main trigger, in response to him, is joint infections.

“This will even result in secondary osteoarthritis as this joint an infection if allowed to remain longer than anticipated, will destroy the joint protecting referred to as the articular cartilage. As soon as that is destroyed, the younger particular person comes down with secondary osteoarthritis,” he mentioned.

Mr Ogbue additionally warned that the power abuse of steroids like prednisolone, which many younger individuals use to alleviate physique ache, is a rising concern.

He additional famous that rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune situation that impacts the joints, is one other reason behind arthritis in younger people.

Misconceptions about Arthritis

Regardless of these considerations, many Nigerians nonetheless have misconceptions about arthritis, which might delay early prognosis and correct therapy.

Mr Ogbue identified that most individuals assume any ache across the joints is arthritis, main them to hunt therapy from conventional as an alternative of medical professionals.

“Most ache across the joint is perceived to be arthritis, regardless of the extent of training. Most individuals will need to search assist from a local physician or a conventional bone setter. With this delay, the pathology progresses, they usually are inclined to current late,” he mentioned.

“This tends to have an effect on our therapy for many Nigerians as orthopaedic surgeons. Most will find yourself having a whole joint alternative surgical procedure simply due to late presentation.”

Situations frequent in adults

On his half, Saheed Babajide, an orthopaedic surgeon and chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Affiliation (NMA), famous that whereas circumstances of arthritis in youthful individuals are growing, the situation stays extra frequent in older adults as a result of it’s primarily a degenerative illness.

Mr Babajide additionally highlighted the misperception that arthritis solely impacts the aged, stating that this perception usually results in individuals ignoring the situation till it turns into extreme.

“Majority of Nigerians consider that it’s an outdated age illness. Due to this perception and the sensation that they’re too younger to develop it, they’re much less involved about it till it turns into severely painful with deformity and problem in strolling,” he mentioned.

In line with him, public consciousness is essential in altering this mindset.

Function of way of life in arthritis

Life-style elements comparable to weight-reduction plan, weight, and bodily exercise additionally play a serious position within the improvement and development of arthritis.

Mr Babajide defined that weight problems considerably will increase the chance, particularly for arthritis within the decrease limb joints.Some sufferers may must shed some pounds with out remedy, and the signs could disappear or cut back tremendously.

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“Treatment or surgical procedure with out weight discount could not remedy the issues fully. That is the place dietitians and different physicians be part of within the administration as a multidisciplinary method,” he mentioned.

Mr Ogbue additionally suggested Nigerians to be conscious of their diets and preserve an lively way of life. “Simply eat wholesome and keep away from an excessive amount of weight acquire to forestall this material,” he mentioned.

Early indicators, prevention

Recognising the early indicators of arthritis can assist in searching for well timed medical consideration earlier than problems come up.Mr Ogbue talked about that one of many earliest signs is gentle joint ache that progressively worsens.

“Delicate joint ache that one can really bear. If nothing is completed and this ache progresses, it could result in ache that impacts actions of each day dwelling,” he mentioned.

One other symptom, he defined, is a crackling sound within the joints.

“At intervals, when one walks, they hear a crackling sound across the affected joint. This needs to be checked with the orthopaedic surgeon to rule out early types of the illness,” he mentioned.

To stop or successfully handle arthritis, Mr Ogbue emphasised the necessity for correct medical session and avoiding self-medication.