Osteoarthritis: When knee pain hits early, blame it on your sedentary lifestyle, not age

Check out the key insights shared by different doctors:

Blame the sedentary lifestyle: Like several other health problems, OA is also a result of sedentary lifestyle. Dr Mihir Thanvi, consultant orthopaedic, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur, says rising sedentary lifestyles is a major factor in the growing number of OA cases. “Osteoarthritis was traditionally linked with ageing, but we are now seeing it more frequently in young adults aged 15 to 25," he says. Long hours spent sitting in front of computers, poor posture, and lack of physical activity are stressing weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, are increasing the wear and tear process.

High-impact workouts: While exercise is important for your health, excessive high-impact workouts can contribute to joint damage. Dr Balaji Patel Kola, senior interventional radiologist, Maven Medical Center in Hyderabad, shares, "We’re seeing more young people with OA due to improper exercise techniques or excessive impact without proper supervision." High-impact sports like running or intense workouts can lead to joint wear, particularly if done without proper training or recovery time, he adds.

The gender gap: Osteoarthritis tends to affect women more than men, a trend that is becoming more noticeable even among younger populations. "Women are more likely to develop OA at an earlier age, possibly due to hormonal factors and differences in joint structure," explains Dr Kola. While OA is common in both genders, women appear to experience it more frequently, making gender-specific treatment approaches important.

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Obesity and poor diet: Your increasing body weight can also pose a problem. Dr Sahil Gaba, a senior consultant at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, explains the link between obesity and OA. "Increased body weight puts more stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees, leading to faster cartilage breakdown," he says. Additionally, a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can promote inflammation, worsening the condition. "A poor diet combined with a lack of physical activity is a recipe for early-onset osteoarthritis," Dr. Gaba adds.

Vitamin deficiencies too play a role: If you've been neglecting your daily vitamin intake, your joints may be paying the price. Dr Hemant Bansal, senior consultant, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, points out that vitamin D3 and B12 deficiencies are contributing to the increasing number of OA cases among younger people. "These deficiencies affect bone strength and neuro-muscular function, making joints more vulnerable to wear and tear," he says. Young people need to maintain adequate levels of these vitamins as it could help prevent the early onset of osteoarthritis.

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Increased surgical interventions: Poor lifestyle habits are leading to an increase in ailments among young people, which often result in the need for surgeries. Dr Swapnil Keny, consultant orthopedic Fortis Hospital, Kalyan and Mulund, has noticed a troubling trend of younger patients requiring joint surgery. "Osteoarthritis used to be rare in people under 50, but now we’re seeing a rise in patients needing surgery in their 20s and 30s," Dr Keny says. The combination of lifestyle factors, obesity, and poor exercise habits is leading to a higher demand for joint replacement surgeries among the younger population.

Preventive measures:

All the doctors agree that preventive measures are essential to curbing the rise of osteoarthritis in younger adults. "Maintaining an active lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding high-impact exercises without supervision can make a significant difference," Dr Thanvi advises. Regular physical activity, such as swimming or cycling, helps maintain joint health without causing excessive wear.