World Arthritis Day 2024: Why more young people are developing arthritis

Different forms of arthritis like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis have come to be recognised as medical conditions that only affect the elderly However arthritis can also affect youngsters a phenomenon that has become more prevalent in recent timesAce Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal who is in her 30s had recently revealed suffering from arthritis Many such instances of people in their 20s and 30s living with this condition have been reported Although arthritis still primarily affects old people it is not surprising to see youngsters being diagnosed with itArthritis affects the bones and joints causing immense pain and discomfort in carrying out basic daytoday activities Given the severity of the condition World Arthritis Day is observed every year on October 12 to raise awareness about the realities of living with arthritisOn this occasion middaycom speaks to Dr Anup Khatri Senior Consultant Orthopedics Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai and Dr Swapnil Keny Consultant Orthopedics Fortis Hospital Kalyan who reveal why this condition has become common in youngsters overlooked habits that are causing this and steps one can follow to navigate life with arthritisCan someone get arthritis even in their 20s and 30sKhatri Arthritis is not limited to the older population aged 6075 but is also seen in youngsters Now people aged 2030 are also coming with complaints of arthritis One of the factors behind the early onset of arthritis is genetic predisposition So those with a family history of autoimmune diseases may be at a greater risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis even at a young age Furthermore lifestyle choices play a significant role in the early onset of arthritis Nowadays a large number of youngsters tend to follow a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity is absent Many fail to eat nutritious diets and become overweight or obese which can weaken joints and accelerate wear and tear on cartilage leading to issues like osteoarthritis sooner than anticipated Even stress can trigger inflammatory responses within the body that can cause arthritis Hence the younger generation must take utmost care of their bones and joints by adhering to a wellbalanced lifestyleKeny Certain factors can lead to earlyonset arthritis including autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis JRA and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis JIA Specific injuries from sports or road accidents can damage the cartilage resulting in PostTraumatic Arthritis A sedentary lifestyle obesity and low muscle mass can also contribute to the development of arthritis at a young age Furthermore systemic diseases such as Gout and Psoriasis may present arthritic symptomsWhat are the top causes of arthritis especially at a young ageKhatri The various causes of arthritis in youngsters can be a rise in autoimmune diseases where the bodyrsquos immune system tends to attack its healthy joint tissues Now lack of exercise and poor eating habits that include higher consumption of junk spicy oily canned and processed food can cause joint pain and inflammation and one may be prone to arthritis Mindlessly engaging in highimpact sports can lead to joint injuries that manifest as osteoarthritis later in life Exposure to unhealthy environments can trigger latent genetic markers associated with various types of inflammatory arthritis Even stress causes increased joint pain and puts one at risk of arthritisKeny Some major causes of arthritis at a young age arebull Genetic and autoimmune conditions JRA Rheumatoid Arthritis Ankylosing Spondylitisbull Obesity and lack of exercisebull Post Traumatic Arthritis from sports injuriesbull Arthritis due to infection in jointsbull Improper diet and lifestyleWhat are some overlooked things that one does daily that are contributing to causing arthritisKhatri Many youngsters due to erratic schedules avoid exercising and that is wrong It is the need of the hour for the younger population to stick to a regular exercise routine Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week to avoid joint pain stiffness tenderness and arthritis Include fresh fruits vegetables whole grains pulses and lentils as eating processed foods causes inflammation in the joints Many people also do highimpact activities that can take a toll on their joints and may induce arthritisKeny The most important thing that we do daily that can contribute to the onset of arthritis is not doing the requisite exercises to maintain good muscle tone Lack of exercise along with consumption of junk food sedentary life and workfromhome culture contributes to rising obesity Delayed consultation with orthopedic surgeons following any knee trauma can add to this Additionally continuing to engage in groundlevel activities such as squatting or sitting crosslegged even after the onset of arthritis can exacerbate the conditionWhich foods should be avoided to prevent or manage arthritis and whyKhatri When it comes to managing arthritis what you eat will make a difference One has to ensure to eat well and pay attention to fresh fruits vegetables whole grains and lentils It is imperative to avoid processed and fried foods which contain unhealthy fats and preservatives that can hurt your joints and cause pain inflammation and swelling Moreover these foods contribute to weight gain putting extra strain on already vulnerable joints Sugary snacks and beverages can lead to spikes in insulin levels which are linked to increased inflammation and raise the chances of arthritis Excessive salt intake through artificial sources can provoke inflammation by triggering an immune response exacerbating joint pain over timeKeny Junk food like soda highcalorie diets and fried and fastfood items should be strictly avoided as they can increase your Body Mass Index BMI and can be responsible for the onset of arthritisHow can one conduct daytoday activities with arthritisKhatri Managing daytoday activities with arthritis requires various strategies and a positive mindset One effective tip is to opt for adaptive tools that can ease daily tasks For example kitchen gadgets jar openers or even dressing aids that require minimal hand strength Donrsquot bend while cooking and take help if required Try to opt for easy and healthy dishes that may not require you to stand for a longer time as one can feel pain Use grab bars and handles at home and in the washroom and ensure enough lighting at home to avoid falls Including gentle physical activity in your day can also make a significant difference Activities like swimming or yoga are not only lowimpact but they enhance flexibility and reduce stiffness while promoting mental wellbeing Break larger chores into smaller segments throughout the day instead of pushing through everything at once to minimise the chances of fatigue and flareupsKeny Here are some tips to navigate life with arthritisbull Try to go for regular walks for at least 30 minutes in the morning sunlightbull Incorporate exercises that target the thigh and calf muscles to help alleviate knee painbull Itrsquos best to avoid groundlevel activities like squatting and sitting crossleggedbull Cycling and practices like yoga amp aerobics can be very beneficialbull Focus on incorporating highprotein and lowcalorie foods into your diet Also include calciumrich foods such as milk and dairy products eggs soybeans Tofu Amaranth Moringa Almonds Figs and fish like Sardines and Mackerel in your everyday mealsDisclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult your physician or a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance