This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
As I accompanied my aunt to Nairobi West Hospital last Saturday, I was reminded of the importance of health awareness, especially when it comes to conditions like arthritis. The hospital's resident physician, Dr. Amanda Ngolobe, diagnosed my aunt with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and there are over 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. In this article, we will focus on the four most common types: rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and gout.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue around the joints, causing inflammation and pain. If left untreated, RA can cause permanent damage to tissue cartilage, leading to the need for replacement surgery. Shockingly, RA is 80% a woman's disease, and it can begin attacking women of reproductive age as early as 30 years old.
Another common form of arthritis is fibromyalgia, or FMS. Characterized by constant body aches, fatigue, and memory issues, FMS can be difficult to diagnose. According to Dr. Ngolobe, a diagnosis of exclusion is often used to track down FMS, and unfortunately, about 70% of patients with FMS are women.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting a significant portion of older Kenyans. As Dr. Ngolobe explains, osteoarthritis is a 'wear and tear disease' where the protective cartilage that cushions joints wears down over time, leading to the rubbing of bone on bone. To manage osteoarthritis, patients are often advised to manage their weight, walk regularly, and undergo medical physiotherapy.
Lastly, gout is a type of arthritis that is overwhelmingly male, affecting 60% of men in Kenya. Caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the body, gout can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as reducing meat consumption and increasing exercise. Dr. Ngolobe advises that lifestyle change is essential to preventing gouty arthritis, although medications like colchicine are available for chronic patients.
It's worth noting that while high heels may cause back pain and discomfort, they are not a risk factor for arthritis. Instead, it's individuals who engage in repetitive activities, such as soldiers and police officers, who are at risk of developing arthritis.
