World Arthritis Day: Why more people in their 30s and 40s are getting arthritis, according to an Orthopaedic

This World Arthritis Day experts explain why more people in their 30s and 40s are developing arthritis and how to protect your joints early.(Image: Pexels)

Arthritis has traditionally been considered an older adult’s disease, yet a significant number of people in their 30s and 40s are now living with early joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. This trend is mainly associated with the change in lifestyle, genetic factor, obesity and sedentary habits.

Dr Ashwani Meichand, Director - Dept of Orthopaedics at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi told Moneycontrol that arthritis is no longer an elderly person's disease — younger adults are now increasingly being diagnosed with this disease because of long working hours, sedentary life as well as bad posture. It could also be due to autoimmune disorders, prior trauma or even overly zealous workouts. When left untreated, it can cause chronic pain, lack of mobility and a diminished quality of life.

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If we detect it early and make lifestyle changes, along with proper medical direction, when necessary, one can slow down the progression of the disease. Awareness that arthritis can strike younger adults is the first step in safeguarding joint health and maintaining an active lifestyle for years to come.

1. Sedentary lifestyle and poor posture:

Modern-day jobs involve prolonged sitting hours at a desk or before a monitor. Sedentary work weakens muscles, lowers flexibility, and subjects joints to asymmetrical loads, especially knees and spine. In the long run, this can trigger early wear and tear, leading to the manifestation of osteoarthritis in young adults.

2. Obesity and weight changes:

Excess weight also puts extra strain on joints that have to bear weight, like the hips and knees. Even a small number of excess kilos accelerates cartilage loss. Rising obesity in young adults has played a key role in the increased number of arthritis cases below the age of 45.

3. Sports injuries and overuse:

Excessive use of sports that have a high impact or improper mechanics of exercise leads to joint damage, which, if untreated, increases the risk of osteoarthritis developing prematurely. Cartilage injury by repetitive stress injuries in runners, gym participants, and athletes makes them susceptible to lifetime joint pain.

4. Genetic and autoimmune factors:

Some forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), may hit as young as the person's 30s due to failure of autoimmunity. A reported family history of autoimmunity or arthritis increases the risk, requiring screening on an early level.

5. Hormonal and lifestyle changes:

In women, hormonal changes of pregnancy or perimenopause worsen joint health. Lack of sleep, stress, and pro-inflammatory diets also contribute to deteriorating symptoms, further leaning joints towards stiffness and inflammation.

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How to protect your joints early?

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

• Consume bone-friendly foods that contain calcium and vitamin D.

• Stand up well and rest when sitting.

• Consult a doctor if joint pain persists for more than a few weeks.

FAQs about arthritis:

Q: What are the early symptoms of arthritis in young adults?

A: Early symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, often exacerbated by long working hours, sedentary lifestyle, bad posture, or excessive workouts.

Q: How can obesity contribute to arthritis?

A: Excess weight puts extra strain on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees, accelerating cartilage loss and increasing the risk of arthritis.

Q: Can sports injuries lead to arthritis?

A: Yes, excessive use of high-impact sports or improper exercise mechanics can cause joint damage, increasing the risk of developing arthritis prematurely.

Q: Are there genetic factors involved in arthritis?

A: Yes, some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be linked to genetic and autoimmune factors, often requiring early screening.

Q: How can lifestyle changes help prevent arthritis?

A: Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming bone-friendly foods, and addressing joint pain early can help slow down the progression of arthritis.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.