Reporter
It is reported that arthritis and osteoarthritis are the primary causes of mobility loss for millions of people each year. What is your opinion on this statement?
Dr Eric Tayag
I will provide some very illustrative figures to help you better understand this issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), arthritic and degenerative bone conditions—particularly osteoarthritis—are among the leading causes of impaired mobility and disability worldwide. Approximately 606 to 607 million people globally suffer from osteoarthritis, representing an increase of over 113% to 132% compared to previous decades, driven by an aging population. It is projected that this figure could reach 1 billion by 2050 in the absence of effective early intervention and preventive measures.
Arthritis and osteoarthritis have taken a toll on human health. Without these conditions, people could remain healthy and live to the age of 90.
Reporter
Could you explain to the readers what a joint is? And what does it look like?
Dr Eric Tayag
I will not use complicated medical terminology here, because the basic idea is easier to understand when explained in simple terms.
Let’s imagine your joints as the hinges of a door. When the hinges are healthy, they can move smoothly and comfortably. But over time, inflammation, changes in the joint tissues, previous injuries, aging, or other factors can affect how the joint functions.
WHEN JOINT INFLAMMATION PERSISTS, MOVEMENT CAN BECOME MORE DIFFICULT AND UNCOMFORTABLE.You may notice symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, or reduced flexibility. For some people, these symptoms may come and go. For others, they can gradually interfere with everyday activities.The knees, hips, hands, shoulders, and other joints can all be affected by different types of arthritis.But pain is not always the only concern.
When joint discomfort and stiffness continue for a long time, people may find themselves avoiding certain movements or activities. Over time, reduced activity can make maintaining mobility and muscle strength more challenging.
THIS IS WHY PAYING ATTENTION TO JOINT HEALTH EARLY CAN BE IMPORTANT.
Instead of simply assuming that persistent joint pain is “just part of getting older,” it is worth paying attention to changes in your body and seeking appropriate medical advice when symptoms continue or interfere with daily life.
Common signs that deserve attention include:
• Persistent or recurring joint pain
• Stiffness after waking up or after periods of inactivity
• Swelling or tenderness around a joint
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing everyday movements
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion
The good news is that joint health can be supported through appropriate physical activity, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting joints from unnecessary strain, and getting professional evaluation when symptoms persist.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS HAPPENING INSIDE YOUR JOINTS IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD TAKING BETTER CARE OF THEM.
By the age of 50–60, a person's mobility is significantly affected!
In other words, whether we can stay active and enjoy everyday life depends greatly on the health and function of our joints.
When the joints in the lower limbs are affected, everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods can become increasingly uncomfortable.
When inflammation affects the hands and fingers, simple tasks such as gripping, carrying objects, or opening containers may become more difficult.
When the knees or hips are affected, pain and stiffness can make movement feel restricted and may gradually reduce mobility.
When the joints and structures supporting the spine are affected, people may experience back discomfort, stiffness, and difficulty maintaining normal movement.
JOINT PROBLEMS CAN DEVELOP GRADUALLY, AND THE EARLIER WE PAY ATTENTION TO THEM, THE BETTER WE CAN SUPPORT LONG-TERM MOBILITY.
Unlike a sudden injury, arthritis and other joint conditions may develop or change over time. Factors such as aging, previous injuries, repetitive strain, genetics, body weight, and certain medical conditions can all play a role.
That is why persistent joint pain should not always be dismissed as “just getting older.”
Joint stiffness, recurring pain, swelling, tenderness, and reduced flexibility are signs worth paying attention to.
Reporter:
Besides aging, are there any other causes of arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Dr Eric Tayag
Aging is not the sole primary cause of arthritis and osteoarthritis. There are two other major causes of this condition:
Genetic and metabolic factors
Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to weak joint cartilage or suffer from metabolic conditions—such as diabetes or menopause—that accelerate cartilage degeneration. As people age, joint cartilage loses elasticity, its water content changes, and its self-repair capacity diminishes, making it increasingly susceptible to wear and tear.
Weight-related stress: Being overweight or obese places significant strain on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips. Injuries: Accidents, ligament damage, meniscus tears, or intra-articular fractures can cause joint misalignment and structural damage. Improper posture during work or physical activity: Heavy lifting, excessive sports participation, or maintaining a single posture for prolonged periods causes friction between joint surfaces, leading to premature damage.