Affordable Methods to Prevent Osteoarthritis

An international study has reported that the number of people worldwide suffering from osteoarthritis could reach one billion by 2050, compared to 600 million in 2023, due to the absence of a cure or effective medications to halt its progression. The disease affects the cartilage in joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving, and it impacts the knees, hips, hands, and spine. The study confirmed that risk factors include weight gain and previous injuries, and that low-cost prevention methods such as exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce symptoms. It also warned that health systems in many countries are not prepared to cope with the increasing disease burden, calling for expanded care and improved health policies, with an emphasis on early prevention and addressing risk factors—particularly obesity and injuries—in order to reduce the health and economic impacts, which could exceed 2.5% of GDP.