MANILA, Philippines — Embattled lawmaker Jinggoy Estrada is under detention for the third time although he is seeking hospital arrest instead claiming he suffers from osteoarthritis or OA.
Estrada attended his rescheduled arraignment via teleconference after mentioning he has the joint condition in both his knees.
According to the World Health Organization, OA is a degenerative joint condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness, therefore affecting an individiual's ability to move freely.
The condition affects the entire joint, including the tissues around it, and most commonly occurs in the knees, hips, spine and hands.
In 2019, there were more than 500 million globally living with OA, up from the numbers since 1990 by 113%, while a 2012 Philippine study said there were around four million Filipinos suffering from OA.
Nearly three out of four people with OA are older than 55 years old — for reference, Estrada turned 63 last February 17 — and 60% are female.
History of joint injury or overuse, older age, and being overweight are among the factors to developing the condition. It may be worthy to note that authorities said they couldn't find a detainee shirt that could fit Estrada because of his build.
Exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining a good weight can reduce OA symptoms while severe cases to reduce pain and regain mobility may need surgery to replace affected joints.