An Orthopaedic specialist, Dr Ahabue Iwinosa, has advised adults to stay active and maintain healthy body weight to avoid osteoarthritis.
He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Benin.
Dr Iwinosa said that osteoarthritis is a mechanical condition characterised by gradual wearing down of cartilage in the joints and that it is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Arthritis, on the other hand, he explained, is not caused by the normal wear and tear of bones but inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age.
According to the specialist, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
He said, “Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints cannot be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and receiving certain treatments might slow the progression of the disease and help to reduce pain.”
Dr Iwinosa said that symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, grating sensation, bone spurs and swelling.
He noted that osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time if not treated.
(NAN)
