Medical expert urges more awareness on causes, treatment of arthritis

An orthopaedic surgeon at Evercare Hospital Lekki, Dr. Thompson Akpokonyan, has created more awareness on arthritis. He also educated Nigerians on types of arthritis. He said there are different causes, including wear and tear, infections and underlying diseases.

Speaking recently at a forum, he said: “The different types of arthritis in man include osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, arthritis from crystal forming disorders, infective arthritis and port traumatic. ”

Akpokonyan said the most common symptom, which could vary in intensity from mild to very severe, include joint stiffness, joint deformities such as increased bowing or knocking of the knees as well as joint instability, which may lead to falls, dependence on medications and depression, due to the chronic pain experienced, adding that there are reports of people with arthritis having suicidal ideations and succeeding.
 
He further explained that arthritis treatment begins with a detailed physical assessment by a certified orthopaedic specialist, who will obtain a detailed history from the patient and examine him to arrive at a preliminary diagnosis, which would be confirmed by appropriate imaging done on the affected joints. He said additional ancillary laboratory and/or radiological tests might be ordered as deemed necessary by a specialist, before commencing the management.

The expert added that “treatment options include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medications, injections, regenerative interventions, arthroscopic interventions and in very severe cases, a joint replacement surgery may be required.

“At Evercare, the management is charged with the need to care for all bone and joint-related conditions and provide world-class care. We are committed towards eradicating this chronic scourge affecting modern man,” he said.