Surviving osteoarthritis, Ope’s story

On a cool harmattan morning in Abeokuta, Ope sat on his veranda, watching children play football in the dusty streets. The scene brought a bittersweet smile to his face. As a retired schoolteacher, he had spent years coaching young athletes. But now, even climbing the three steps to his front door was a struggle.

Ope had been diagnosed with arthritis two years ago, though the pain had begun much earlier. At first, it was just stiffness in his knees after a long day. But gradually, the pain intensified, and simple tasks like standing up, bending, or even gripping his favorite teacup became challenging.

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a group of diseases that cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints. In Nigeria, it is commonly associated with aging, but it doesn’t spare younger people. Many dismiss the early signs as “ordinary body pain,” often delaying diagnosis and worsening the condition.

For Ope, the diagnosis of osteoarthritis ‘this is a common form caused by wear and tear of the joints’ came with a mix of relief and dread. Finally, he had an explanation for his discomfort, but the doctor’s words echoed in his mind: “There is no cure, but there are ways to manage it.”

As someone who had always been active, arthritis felt like a thief that had robbed Ope of his independence. Walking to the market, tending to his small garden, and dancing at family gatherings, these simple joys he had once taken for granted now seemed like impossible dreams.

His condition also brought a wave of loneliness. Friends and family often didn’t understand the severity of his pain. Some offered unsolicited advice. “You need to pray harder,” one said. Others suggested herbal remedies, claiming miraculous results. While he appreciated their concern, none of these solutions addressed the daily reality of living with arthritis.

Everything changed the day Ope’s daughter, Tayo, came home with an article about arthritis management. It spoke about lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and the importance of staying active despite the pain.

At first, Ope was skeptical. How could he exercise when even walking felt unbearable? But Tayo convinced him to visit a physiotherapist, someone trained to help people like him move with less pain.

The physiotherapist, Chioma, greeted him with a warm smile and a gentle reassurance. “We’ll start small” she said. “Every little movement counts.”

The journey was not easy. His first session involved simple stretching exercises to improve joint flexibility. It was painful, and there were days when he wanted to give up. But with Tayo’s encouragement and Chioma’s guidance, he persisted.

Over time, the exercises became less daunting. He learned that strengthening the muscles around his joints reduced the strain on them, making movement easier. Walking with a cane initially felt like admitting defeat, but it became a symbol of his determination to keep moving.

Ope also made changes to his diet. He replaced heavy, oily meals with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, became a regular part of his meals, helping to reduce inflammation.

Another unexpected source of relief came from water therapy. The buoyancy of water in a local pool allowed him to exercise without putting pressure on his joints. Floating in the cool water reminded him of his younger days, swimming in the Ogun River with his friends.