Why young indians are struggling with bone and joint pain and how to prevent it

You often hear elders complain of stiff knees or aching backs, but today even people in their thirties are reporting bone and joint pain. Blame it on desk jobs, long hours on phones ,skipped meals or lack of sunlight, your lifestyle is making bones weaker far too early. Doctors say it’s possible to change this story. With a little attention to diet, posture and daily habits, we can build strength that lasts a lifetime.

People believe bone pain is only a problem of old age. That is not true, reveals Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Director–Orthopaedics and  Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital Vaishali, New Delhi. He explains that bone aches can strike at any age, thanks to missing nutrients, long sitting hours, excess body weight, or even poor posture at a desk. “Deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D are especially common and leave bones fragile. In older people, arthritis is the leading cause of pain, while younger adults often suffer from overworked joints and unhealthy routines,” Persistent pain, he adds, should never be ignored.

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Nevertheless, bones respond well to care. “Bones are living tissue; they grow stronger when we nourish and use them properly,” Dr Yadav shares. “Regular exercise, mindful eating, and correcting posture can work like daily medicine. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol also go a long way in protecting bones,” he advises adding, “Keeping body weight in check means less stress on the knees and hips. And if you notice aches that don’t go away, a timely doctor’s visit can prevent long-term damage,”