Orthopedic Surgeon, Asian Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Institute

Asian Hospital and Medical Center

In the Philippines, it’s common to hear elders say, “Nirarayuma ako.” Even younger people use the phrase in jest whenever they feel a sudden pain in their knees or hips. Considered a layman’s term, "rayuma" is broadly used to refer to various conditions that cause body aches—most commonly, arthritis.

Even arthritis is an umbrella term, encompassing more than a hundred different conditions affecting the joint and the musculoskeletal system. These include osteoarthritis (OA), gout, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), among others.

Around 11 percent of Filipinos aged 60 and above suffer from osteoarthritis, according to a study published in the Philippine Journal of Allied Health and Sciences. Experts warn that this figure could double within the next 25 years.

It's the most common form of arthritis in the Philippines, characterized by the progressive deterioration of the cartilage that protects and cushions the ends of bones within a joint. When cartilage wears down or breaks apart due to repeated movement, stress, or injury, the bones start to grind against each other – causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

People suffering from OA commonly live with pain in their knees and hips. In other cases, the said condition affects the hands, feet, and spine.

You're more likely to develop OA if you're over 55, have had a joint injury, are overweight, have a family history of OA, or live with diabetes. Weak muscles around the joints can also increase the risk of OA.

Gout, on the other hand, is a kind of arthritis that triggers sudden pain and swelling in the joints. It happens when too much uric acid builds up in the blood and forms tiny, sharp crystals inside the joints. According to the Philippine Rheumatic Association (PRA), around 1.6 percent of the country's population, or roughly 1.8 million Filipinos, live with gout.

Eating large amounts of red meat, seafood, or sugary foods and drinks – as well as drinking too much alcohol or not getting enough water – can result in painful gout flare-ups. Common targets of this condition include the big toe, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers.

Individuals experiencing these symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed are advised to consult a doctor for proper evaluation, which may include a physical exam, blood tests to check uric acid levels, joint fluid aspiration, or imaging tests. Treatment typically involves pain relief and uric acid-lowering medications. Patients with gout are also encouraged to stay well-hydrated and limit foods high in purines to help prevent future attacks.

Although less common, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to severe complications. While osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear, RA is driven by an abnormal immune response where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.

Unlike OA, which often impacts bigger joints like the hips and the knees, RA affects smaller joints in the hands, wrists, and feet, and usually appears symmetrically on both sides of the body. Genetics, immune system problems, hormonal changes, especially in women between the ages of 30 and 60, and environmental triggers like smoking or infections increase the risk of having RA.

The fact that there's no cure for arthritis could scare many people into thinking that there's no silver lining behind the pain that they're feeling. However, while arthritis is not curable, it's manageable. With the right treatment and proper lifestyle changes, individuals can control symptoms.

Equally important is early intervention. Detecting and addressing arthritis in its early stages can slow disease progression, prevent permanent joint damage, and improve long-term outcomes, helping patients regain mobility and maintain their daily activities.

Living with a lifelong condition can be overwhelming; that's why patients need holistic support. At the Asian Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Institute (AOMI) of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, this is achieved through accessible world-class treatment combined with compassionate orthopedic healthcare.

For 23 years, the AOMI has remained steadfast in its commitment to provide comprehensive care covering diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to patients with arthritis of the hip, knee, and shoulder; hand, foot, and ankle conditions; limb deformities, musculoskeletal tumors, pediatric orthopedic conditions, spinal deformities, sports injuries, trauma, and more.

With a team of 49 highly skilled surgeons, the institution leverages state-of-the-art technologies and advanced techniques to meet a variety of patient needs. These include minimally invasive and computer-navigated surgeries for enhanced precision, alongside pain management and rehabilitation programs equipped with modern exercise technology for non-surgical treatment.

If you or someone you care about is living with arthritis, the Asian Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Institute is ready to support you every step of the way toward a healthier, more active life. You may call us at 8771-9000 local 8617 and 8005 or send us an email at [email protected] for inquiries. For more information, follow Asian Hospital social media pages for up-to-date information at //AsianHospitalPH.