Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
MANY people in Zimbabwe complain of “arthritis”, especially as they grow older.
The word is often used loosely to describe any joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. In truth, arthritis is not one disease, but a group of conditions that affect the joints and sometimes the whole body.
Arthritis simply means inflammation of the joints. Joints are the places where bones meet, such as the knees, hips, fingers, shoulders, and spine. When joints are inflamed, they can become painful, swollen, stiff, and difficult to move.
The most common type is osteoarthritis, which is basically “wear and tear” of the joints. It usually affects older adults and happens when joint cartilage wears out over time. Knees, hips, and the spine are commonly affected.
Another type is gout, which is very common locally. It is caused by high uric acid levels and often presents with sudden, severe pain, commonly in the big toe, ankle, or knee. Diet, alcohol, and genetics play a role.
There are also infectious forms of arthritis, caused by bacteria or viruses, and autoimmune types, where the body’s immune system attacks itself. This is where rheumatoid arthritis comes in.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) behaves very differently from other forms of arthritis. It is not caused by ageing, heavy work, or injury. Instead, it is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s defence system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.
RA can affect young and middle-aged adults, including people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Women are affected more often than men. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis usually affects both sides of the body equally, for example both wrists, both hands, or both knees.
People with RA often complain of early morning stiffness lasting more than an hour. The joints may be swollen, warm, and painful, especially the small joints of the hands and feet. Fatigue, low energy, and feeling generally unwell are common.
Over time, if untreated, joints can become damaged and deformed.
RA is not just a joint disease. It can also affect the eyes, lungs, heart, and blood, which is why early diagnosis and proper treatment are very important.
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed using a combination of clinical examination, blood tests, and sometimes X-rays or ultrasound. Blood tests may show markers of inflammation or specific antibodies, but it is important to note that tests can sometimes be normal early on.
Treatment is medical and long-term. Painkillers alone are not enough. Doctors use special medicines called disease-modifying drugs that slow down the disease and prevent joint damage. With early and proper treatment, many patients can live full, productive lives.
Here, many people turn to herbal remedies, traditional medicines, or faith-based healing when joint pain begins. Some herbs may help with pain relief or inflammation, especially those with natural anti-inflammatory properties. Warm compresses, massage, and certain traditional ointments may also give temporary comfort.
However, it is important to be clear: herbal remedies do not cure rheumatoid arthritis. They may help symptoms but they do not stop the immune system from damaging joints. Relying only on herbs while delaying medical treatment can lead to permanent joint damage.
Traditional practices are part of our culture and should not be dismissed, but the safest approach is combining cultural understanding with medical care. Anyone with persistent joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness lasting weeks should seek medical evaluation early.
For more on rheumatoid arthritis, contact [email protected]
