The Principal Orthopedic Officer at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Amos Abaruhanga, has raised concern over the increasing burden of arthritis, outlining its causes, prevention, and treatment.
Abaruhanga, an orthopedic specialist with 29 years of experience, made the remarks on Thursday during a talk show on a local radio station in Kabale District. Abaruhanga revealed that as of April 2026, the hospital is managing up to 200 patients battling arthritis.
He noted that only three orthopedic surgeons are handling these cases, a situation that could place significant strain on the hospital’s human resources in the coming years.
Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Key risk factors include advancing age, especially among individuals aged 40 and above, family history, and previous joint injuries caused by accidents. Other contributing factors include smoking and repetitive physical activities such as frequent bending, kneeling, or heavy lifting.
Abaruhanga also warned about the rising cases of overweight and obesity, noting that excess body weight puts pressure on joints, accelerating cartilage degeneration and reducing the protective cushioning between bones. He added that obese individuals are up to 60 percent more likely to develop arthritis compared to those with a healthy weight.
CUE IN ABARUHANGA……ON OBESITY…. RR//
He further highlighted the long-term effects of chronic arthritis, including persistent pain, limited mobility, paralysis of affected limbs, and psychological stress.
CUE IN ABARUHANGA…. ON CHRONIC ATHRITIS…. RR//
While there is no cure for arthritis, Abaruhanga said patients can manage the condition through various treatments, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery. He explained that painkillers are commonly used to manage severe pain, while advanced cases may require joint replacement surgery.
He also called for lifestyle changes to help prevent arthritis. He encouraged regular exercise, reduced consumption of fatty foods, and maintaining a healthy weight. He further urged individuals experiencing joint pain to seek early medical attention to prevent progression to chronic stages.
CUE IN ABARUHANGA…ON TREATMENT….RR//
Globally, more than 500 million people are living with arthritis, making it one of the most common health conditions, particularly among older adults. In Africa, approximately 1.9 million people are affected.
In Uganda, an estimated 300,000 people are living with arthritis, with osteoarthritis, the most common form, largely linked to joint trauma, infections, and age-related wear and tear.
