Osteoarthritis is due to joint damage, not aging —Expert
Physiotherapist Dr. Najim Raji explains that everyday stresses placed on the joints, particularly the pressure points on the knee, ankle and hips, play a significant role in people developing osteoarthritis, a joint damage, rather than aging.
Dr Raji spoke at the World Physiotherapy Day 2022 on the theme of 'Osteoarthritis' organized by the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), Services Medical and Hospital, Nigerian Army 2nd Division Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan.
He said that damage in the joint can have a cumulative effect over time, which is why age is one of the main causes of joint damage leading to osteoarthritis given that the older one is older, the more the joints of an individual would undergo a repetitive stress. have suffered.
According to him, "aging in itself does not cause osteoarthritis, nor should osteoarthritis be considered synonymous with the 'normal' aging process.
“There are, however, several age-related factors that can contribute to its development. For example, trauma before adulthood can initiate bone remodeling that alters joint mechanics and nutrition in ways that only become problematic later in life.
"Even people in their 20s and 30s can suffer from osteoarthritis, although there is often an underlying reason such as joint injury or repetitive joint stress from overuse."
Dr Raji said the causes of joint damage also include previous damage caused by torn cartilage, ligament damage or dislocated joints, joint deformities, obesity and poor posture, although the pain is the main symptom of joint damage due to osteoarthritis, apart from others such as joint stiffness. during rest, swelling, becoming tender and losing flexibility.
He, however, urged people with painful joints to seek prompt treatment, saying that early treatment can help stop permanent damage to the joint and it affects other joints in the body as well.
p>Chairman of NSP Oyo State Chapter Dr Olubukola Olaleye said that unlike before, osteoarthritis can be prevented and when it has developed it can be managed, hence the sensitization and free treatment at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment Military Hospital.
According to her, currently in Nigeria, seven out of 10 patients with degenerated joint problem suffer from osteoarthritis and the tendency to develop it increases with age and obesity.
She said that "physiotherapists have an important role in the prevention of this osteoarthritis and its management through the prescription of appropriate exercises and advice on whether the person needs to lose weight and strengthen the muscles around the joint."
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General Aminu Chinade said that the work of army officers involves movement and it is possible that they develop arthritis.
Chinade, represented by Col Nuhu Musa, added, "It will make everyone more aware of using physiotherapy, it is very beneficial for us."
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Physiotherapist Dr. Najim Raji explains that everyday stresses placed on the joints, particularly the pressure points on the knee, ankle and hips, play a significant role in people developing osteoarthritis, a joint damage, rather than aging.
Dr Raji spoke at the World Physiotherapy Day 2022 on the theme of 'Osteoarthritis' organized by the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), Services Medical and Hospital, Nigerian Army 2nd Division Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan.
He said that damage in the joint can have a cumulative effect over time, which is why age is one of the main causes of joint damage leading to osteoarthritis given that the older one is older, the more the joints of an individual would undergo a repetitive stress. have suffered.
According to him, "aging in itself does not cause osteoarthritis, nor should osteoarthritis be considered synonymous with the 'normal' aging process.
“There are, however, several age-related factors that can contribute to its development. For example, trauma before adulthood can initiate bone remodeling that alters joint mechanics and nutrition in ways that only become problematic later in life.
"Even people in their 20s and 30s can suffer from osteoarthritis, although there is often an underlying reason such as joint injury or repetitive joint stress from overuse."
Dr Raji said the causes of joint damage also include previous damage caused by torn cartilage, ligament damage or dislocated joints, joint deformities, obesity and poor posture, although the pain is the main symptom of joint damage due to osteoarthritis, apart from others such as joint stiffness. during rest, swelling, becoming tender and losing flexibility.
He, however, urged people with painful joints to seek prompt treatment, saying that early treatment can help stop permanent damage to the joint and it affects other joints in the body as well.
p>Chairman of NSP Oyo State Chapter Dr Olubukola Olaleye said that unlike before, osteoarthritis can be prevented and when it has developed it can be managed, hence the sensitization and free treatment at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment Military Hospital.
According to her, currently in Nigeria, seven out of 10 patients with degenerated joint problem suffer from osteoarthritis and the tendency to develop it increases with age and obesity.
She said that "physiotherapists have an important role in the prevention of this osteoarthritis and its management through the prescription of appropriate exercises and advice on whether the person needs to lose weight and strengthen the muscles around the joint."
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General Aminu Chinade said that the work of army officers involves movement and it is possible that they develop arthritis.
Chinade, represented by Col Nuhu Musa, added, "It will make everyone more aware of using physiotherapy, it is very beneficial for us."
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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