Page 30 - Waterfall City July Issue 2023

Waterfall City News

HOW CAN I HAVE

ARTHRITIS AT SUCH

A YOUNG AGE?

W hen arthritis is

mentioned, many people
By Dr Ayesha Wadee, rheumatologist at Netcare
Sunninghill Hospital and president of the visualise an old, frail
SA Rheumatism and Arthritis Association person with a walking
stick. Unfortunately, too many people
think nothing can be done for them
and continue to suffer in pain.

Arthritis refers to a problem in the
joints. Because there are many
different types of arthritis and various
forms of treatment, it is important to
differentiate which type you may have.

Broadly speaking, we can divide
arthritis into degenerative arthritis
(Osteoarthritis) and inflammatory
arthritis.

Osteoarthritis
The ageing person often has
Osteoarthritis, which is degenerative
arthritis resulting from general wear
and tear. It’s also a prevalent form of
the disease, which can develop at
different ages.

Weight gain is just one of the factors
causing degeneration of the knee
joint and lower back. Other risks
include joint injuries, mechanical
overuse, genetics, and any other
disease that affects the mechanical
alignment of the joints in the body. In
addition, degeneration is commonly
seen in the knees, hips, shoulders and
back joints.

28 Waterfall City Issue 7 2023