Arthritis often begins subtly, with morning stiffness or joint aches that are easily mistaken for fatigue or ageing. Over time, it can worsen, limiting movement, disrupting sleep and reducing quality of life. The condition covers more than 100 disorders affecting joints, muscles and connective tissues, and can occur at any age.
Doctors warn that many people dismiss early symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. The most common form, osteoarthritis, is a “wear-and-tear” condition caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly in the knees, hips, fingers and lower back.
It is more prevalent among older adults, people with excess weight, and those in physically demanding jobs involving prolonged standing, lifting or kneeling.
Grace Achando Opwoche, 63, is living with osteoarthritis, which she believes developed after years of strenuous work and weight gain. Persistent pain has made walking and daily tasks increasingly difficult.
“From my doctor’s explanation, I came to believe that the nature of my job contributed a lot to the persistent joint pains,” she says. “My work required a lot of standing and moving around for long hours. I have also added extra weight over the years, which is weakening my joints.”
Dr Boniface Adhiambo explains that cartilage acts as a shock absorber between bones. When it wears down, movement becomes painful and even basic activities such as climbing stairs can become difficult.
Another major form is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. Unlike osteoarthritis, it often affects both sides of the body simultaneously, such as both wrists or both knees.
Doctors warn that if left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can also damage other organs, including the lungs, eyes and heart.
“Rheumatoid arthritis is not simply joint pain,” says Dr Adhiambo. “It is a systemic disease that may cause fatigue, fever, weight loss and prolonged morning stiffness lasting more than an hour.”
Gout is another increasingly common form, caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It typically strikes suddenly, causing intense pain, redness and swelling, often in the big toe, ankle or foot.
It is associated with diets high in red meat, sugary drinks, processed foods and alcohol, and is more common among people with obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
Psoriatic arthritis and juvenile arthritis can affect both adults and children, causing joint pain, swelling and fatigue. In children, juvenile arthritis may also affect growth and daily functioning. Doctors caution that persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue should not be ignored.
Joint pain may also result from other conditions such as viral infections, fibromyalgia and lupus. Rising obesity levels, sedentary lifestyles and nutrient deficiencies are increasing risk among younger people, while injuries can lead to post-traumatic arthritis if joints fail to heal properly.
There is no cure for most forms of arthritis, but early diagnosis and treatment, alongside physiotherapy, exercise and weight management, can help preserve mobility. With cases rising globally, arthritis is becoming an increasingly significant public health concern, affecting movement, independence and overall quality of life.
