Osteoarthritis is becoming an increasing problem in Hong Kong
Osteoarthritis in the knee and other joints is becoming an increasing problem in Hong Kong as the population ages, but treatments are improving, writes Alan Yu
Excruciating pain in the knee and other joints could become a growing public health issue in Hong Kong, according to local doctors.
Yeung Siu-to, 83, noticed her aching knee joints more than four decades ago.
"Sometimes it would hurt when I was in bed and was so painful I would wake up," she says. "I walked with a limp, but I had to live with it because I had to work and watch over my children. I'm not rich, after all."
People generally think: 'I'm getting old, joint pain is inevitable,'" she says. "But you can improve joint function and reduce the pain substantially
Yeung was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, which usually affects the knees, hip or hands. The pain happens when the cartilage, which normally covers the ends of your bones to absorb the shock of movement, gets worn down.
Yeung was told to just accept it as a fact of ageing.
"The doctor said, 'Your knee has completely degenerated. It can't be treated. Take care.'"
A 2000 study by Chinese University found that among Hongkongers aged 50 and above, 7 per cent of men and 13 per cent of women suffered from osteoarthritis. Back then, doctors prescribed painkillers to help patients cope with the discomfort.