NAN
Some medical practitioners have recommended the need for proper engagement in physical exercise and healthy food chains to avoid arthritis.
The physicians gave the advice in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja to upscale the World Arthritis Day celebrated globally on Oct. 12.
They described arthritis as an inflammatory condition of joints which affects elderly people from 65 years and above globally.
But they noted that some people do get the condition earlier that the age of 65, most of them in their teens.
Dr Olorunsogo Ayodeji said arthritis was a broad term that covers group of over 100 diseases that affects one out of every five adults.
Ayodeji, a medical practioner at the General Hospital Keffi, Nasarawa State, said that arthritis has to do with joints and places where your bones connect such as wrists, knees and hips in the human body.
He advised Nigerians to always exercise frequently, stick to a healthy food chain containing fatty acids, vitamin C and vegetables.
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According to him, some form of arthritis can affect other connective tissues and organs, including the skin and could as well happen to anyone.
Ayodeji said: “There are certain diet foods which can reduce the inflammation and ease the pain that happens due to arthritis.
“Diet such as vegetables like broccolis, Brussels sprouts and cabbages can be used as remedies; they have Sulforaphane compound which helps to slow cartilage damages in the joints.
“They come with benefits, people with arthritis should eat more; also fishes like salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel are very rich in Omega-3 which helps to fight inflammation in the various joints.
“Turmeric spices contain curcumin that fights inflammation best; Garlic is also remedy as it comes from the alliums family like onions and leeks containing disulfide that fights diseases.”
On his part, Dr Lorwuese Charles, a medical practitioner at the Police Hospital, Ado, Ekiti State, said poor lifestyle condition contributes to arthritis.
He said that arthritis could be caused by excessive weight which start early in the knee, adding that age is also a factor that makes the joints to be worn out.
According to him, injuries cause joint damage that brings about infections; infect joints and trigger inflammation.
“The symptoms vary from person to person; they may include intermittent pain in the joint, physical deformity, bony outgrowth in fingers or toes.
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“Others are stiffness, tenderness, swelling and fatigue, malaise and so on: it can come and go and also range from mild to severe cases that could lead to permanent joints damage.
“There is no cure for arthritis, but there are prescribed medication for treatment, which include painkillers on steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.
“Others are natural remedies that can help to ease arthritis pain, such as exercises and change in diet,” Charles said.
NAN reports that this year’s theme is “It is in your hands, take action”.
The event was initiated by the World Arthritis Foundation to raise awareness and encourage policy makers to reduce burden of arthritis in the society.