Medical professionals have raised serious concerns about the growing number of people suffering from persistent joint pain, attributing it to a combination of poor lifestyle habits, underlying health conditions such as arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries, and the harmful practice of self-medicating. According to specialists, relying on painkillers without proper medical diagnosis may offer temporary relief but ultimately allows the root causes to go untreated, leading to further complications.

Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Damage

In an interview with Frontpag Healthwise, Dr. Hakeem Olaosebikan, a Consultant Rheumatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), cautioned against the routine use of over-the-counter painkillers. He emphasized that self-medication only masks the pain temporarily while the underlying issue continues to worsen.

“To the average person, arthritis seems like just joint pain, so they take painkillers. But painkillers only mask the symptoms — they don’t treat the root cause,” Dr. Olaosebikan explained. “For instance, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis differs significantly from that of osteoarthritis or gout. Each has its own underlying mechanisms and requires a tailored medical approach.”

He further warned that prolonged use of painkillers without professional supervision can lead to severe complications such as gastric ulcers, internal bleeding, acid reflux, kidney damage, and liver problems.

Importance of Early Medical Intervention

Dr. Olaosebikan stressed that Nigerians experiencing joint discomfort should not delay in seeking medical help. He said timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing the condition effectively, preserving mobility, and improving overall quality of life.

“Painkillers should only be used short-term, ideally while investigations are underway. Unfortunately, many individuals take them for years without even knowing the cause of their pain. This habit is dangerous,” he noted. “A painkiller is not a cure — it’s just a band-aid. You must find and treat the root cause of your arthritis.”

Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits Worsen Joint Pain

The rheumatologist identified several lifestyle-related contributors to chronic joint discomfort. These include prolonged sitting or standing, poor posture, excess body weight, and prior injuries that never received proper care. According to him, these factors all contribute to the strain and inflammation of joints, making the pain persistent.

He also highlighted the importance of a healthy diet in preventing inflammation. “Avoid inflammatory foods — things high in refined sugar, salt, fatty or processed items like sodas and fast food,” he advised. “Instead, eat anti-inflammatory foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. And drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.”

Maintaining an active lifestyle, according to Dr. Olaosebikan, also plays a crucial role. “Avoid a sedentary life. Incorporate regular physical activity, but choose low-impact exercises to reduce strain on the joints. Also, avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can trigger inflammation.”

Weight Control Critical for Joint Health

Echoing similar concerns, Professor Mike Ogirima, a Professor of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce pressure on the joints, particularly those that bear the body’s weight such as the knees.

“Eat healthy and avoid junk food,” he urged. “Unhealthy eating leads to unnecessary weight gain, and that puts additional pressure on your joints. So, avoiding excessive weight gain can go a long way in preventing or even delaying the onset of arthritis.”

Professor Ogirima further warned that excessive weight could lead to joint deformities. “Depending on the joint involved, especially if it’s a weight-bearing joint like the knee, you can develop abnormalities such as bowlegs or knock-knees, which worsen over time.”

Arthritis Misconceptions and the Need for Public Awareness

Both specialists pointed out that arthritis and other joint-related disorders are often misunderstood by the general public. Many still associate the term “arthritis” with just old-age discomfort or assume that any joint pain requires only rest and painkillers.

However, the experts clarified that arthritis comes in many forms — including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis — and each demands a different management approach. Treating all types of joint pain with the same methods, especially through unsupervised use of analgesics, often delays appropriate care.

Dr. Olaosebikan advised that individuals with recurring joint pain should undergo thorough evaluations including blood tests, X-rays, and sometimes MRI scans to determine the actual cause of the discomfort. “Only after a proper diagnosis can a treatment plan — which may include medication, lifestyle adjustment, or physical therapy — be formulated,” he said.

Call for National Awareness Campaigns

Given the rising number of Nigerians suffering from untreated or poorly managed joint pain, both medical experts called on public health institutions to initiate awareness campaigns. They suggested that such campaigns should educate citizens on the risks of self-medication, the importance of timely medical evaluations, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

They emphasized that addressing joint pain early and effectively not only improves individual well-being but also reduces the national health burden associated with long-term disability and complications from neglected musculoskeletal conditions.

Final Thoughts

In summary, medical professionals are urging Nigerians to take joint pain seriously. Rather than relying on painkillers for temporary comfort, they recommend seeking proper diagnosis and professional treatment. Managing weight, eating healthy, staying active, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol are all vital steps in ensuring long-term joint health. Through proactive care and early intervention, many cases of joint pain and arthritis can be managed effectively, reducing the risk of long-term damage and improving the quality of life for sufferers.