Stronger every step: Understanding arthritis for better health

In the Philippines, it’s common to hear elders say, “Nirarayuma ako.” Even younger people use the phrase in jest whenever they feel a sudden pain in their knees or hips.

- By ERNESTO CARLO B. ARADA, MD, FPOA, FPOSSM, FPCS

Considered a layman’s term, “rayuma” is broadly used to refer to various conditions that cause body aches—most commonly, arthritis.

Even arthritis is an umbrella term, encompassing more than a hundred different conditions affecting the joint and the musculoskeletal system. These include osteoarthritis (OA), gout, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), among others.

Osteoarthritis: Understanding everyday strain

Around 11 percent of Filipinos aged 60 and above suffer from osteoarthritis, according to a study published in the Philippine Journal of Allied Health and Sciences. Experts warn that this figure could double within the next 25 years.

It's the most common form of arthritis in the Philippines, characterized by the progressive deterioration of the cartilage that protects and cushions the ends of bones within a joint. When cartilage wears down or breaks apart due to repeated movement, stress, or injury, the bones start to grind against each other—causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

People suffering from OA commonly live with pain in their knees and hips. In other cases, the said condition affects the hands, feet, and spine.

You're more likely to develop OA if you're over 55, have had a joint injury, are overweight, have a family history of OA, or living with diabetes. Weak muscles around the joints can also increase the risk of OA.

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