Arthritis: Doctors warn Nigerians against ignoring joint pain

For many Nigerians, arthritis is a condition associated with old age, often dismissed as something that comes with getting older. But when joint pain, stiffness or swelling begins to affect a younger person, the possibility of arthritis may not immediately come to mind.

Some people may continue with their daily activities, take painkillers, try herbal mixtures or seek other remedies, hoping the discomfort will eventually disappear.

Medical experts, however, warn that persistent joint symptoms should not be ignored, as arthritis is not limited to older people and can take different forms.

Dr Okoro Solomon of Ibadan Central Hospital said the belief that arthritis affects only older people is medically inaccurate, explaining that although osteoarthritis becomes more common with ageing, arthritis can affect people across all age groups.

According to him, arthritis is not one single disease but a group of conditions affecting the joints, with varying causes.

He identified persistent joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, tenderness, and reduced mobility as symptoms people should take seriously. He also noted that other symptoms, including fever and rashes, may accompany joint-related complaints.

Symptoms people should take seriously

According to Solomon, symptoms that may warrant medical attention include:

The warning is particularly important for younger Nigerians who may assume that joint discomfort is simply the result of physical activity, stress or general body pain.

Arthritis myths that need to be corrected

Solomon said several misconceptions about arthritis continue to shape how people understand and respond to the condition.

He outlined some common myths:

Myth 1: Arthritis is an inevitable part of ageing.

Solomon said this is false. Although osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, it is not an inevitable consequence of growing older. He noted that many older adults maintain good joint function and that arthritis can also affect younger people.

Age, he explained, is one risk factor, but it is not the only one.

Myth 2: Arthritis only affects older people.

The doctor said this belief is incorrect, noting that juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects children, rheumatoid arthritis may begin in young adulthood, and other inflammatory conditions can occur at different ages.\

Myth 3: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

According to Solomon, no convincing evidence shows that ordinary knuckle cracking causes arthritis.

However, he cautioned against forceful manipulation that causes pain or injury, adding that people should not assume every clicking or cracking joint indicates disease.

Myth 4: All arthritis is caused by excessive uric acid.

Solomon explained that this is also false.

He noted that gout is caused by urate crystal deposition, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition and osteoarthritis involves changes throughout the joint, including cartilage, bone, and surrounding tissues. He said the conditions require different treatments.

What increases the risk of osteoarthritis?

Solomon explained that arthritis risk factors depend on the type of condition. For osteoarthritis, he identified several factors that may increase the risk:

His explanation reinforces the need to understand the specific type of arthritis rather than assuming that all joint conditions have the same cause.

Dr Aiyedun Shalom, a medical officer at Shepherd Medical Centre, Ikeja, also stressed that arthritis includes different conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which should not be treated as the same.

She explained that osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease commonly found in older people, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.

Unlike osteoarthritis, Shalom said rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age.

She emphasised that identifying the specific type of arthritis is important because it helps patients manage their condition properly and avoid factors that could worsen it.

Delayed diagnosis, self-medication raise concerns

While joint pain may seem manageable at first, Shalom said early detection helps prevent further complications.

She explained that arthritis can be treated through pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including medication, exercise and physiotherapy.

Her comments challenge the belief that arthritis inevitably leads to uncontrolled joint damage or that nothing can be done once the condition begins.

However, she cautioned Nigerians against taking over-the-counter medication or using herbal concoctions without first consulting a doctor.

According to her, some medications and herbal mixtures could further damage the joints or aggravate existing pain.

She described both approaches as risky without medical guidance, urging people to seek professional advice before trying to manage persistent joint symptoms on their own.

The concern is that treating pain without understanding its cause may leave the underlying condition unaddressed.

Arthritis may affect more than bones and joints

Although arthritis is commonly associated with joint pain, swelling and stiffness, Shalom explained that some forms of the condition can also affect other parts of the body.

She described these as systemic complications, which occur when the condition affects body systems beyond the primary concern of bones and joints.

According to her, inflammatory changes associated with arthritis can affect the heart, lungs, eyes and nervous system.

This means that arthritis may involve more than difficulty moving or performing everyday activities, reinforcing the importance of appropriate medical attention and management.

Exercise, physiotherapy and rest in managing arthritis

For people already living with arthritis, Shalom highlighted exercise, weight reduction, physiotherapy and rest as important aspects of managing osteoarthritis.

She explained that exercise and weight reduction are important in managing the degenerative condition, while physiotherapy can help improve joint movement.

Rest, she added, is also important because osteoarthritis may worsen with movement, and rest can provide pain relief.

On nutrition, Shalom recommended foods rich in calcium, saying they can help prevent osteoporosis, which she identified as a complication of arthritis.

Her recommendations point to the role of daily habits and physical management alongside medication in helping people living with osteoarthritis.

‘Your purpose shouldn’t be held back’

Beyond the physical challenges associated with arthritis, the condition may also raise concerns about whether people can continue pursuing their careers, education, family responsibilities and personal ambitions.

This concern is reflected in the theme of World Arthritis Day 2026, “Achieve Your Dreams”, which highlights the aspirations of people living with arthritis and related conditions.

For Shalom, an arthritis diagnosis should not automatically mean the end of a person's dreams.

“Arthritis doesn’t automatically mean the end of the world. It’s just a temporary limitation. Your purpose shouldn’t be held back or delayed due to a medical diagnosis,” she said.

She encouraged people living with the condition to keep pursuing their goals and remain determined to make an impact, noting that their experiences could also inspire others.

Shalom added that healthcare providers and society have important roles to play in supporting people living with arthritis.

She called for emotional and psychological support, early diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation, adequate patient counselling and greater public awareness.

She also stressed the need to reduce stigma, noting that people living with arthritis require support as they navigate the condition and continue pursuing their ambitions.

The doctors' comments highlight the importance of recognising arthritis as a condition that can affect people of different ages and may involve complications beyond joint pain.

As World Arthritis Day 2026 draws attention to the theme “Achieve Your Dreams”, the message is clear: persistent joint symptoms should not be dismissed, self-medication should be approached with caution, and people living with arthritis should have access to appropriate medical care and support to help them keep working towards their goals.