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Social media abounds with memes ridiculing young individuals experiencing “ghutno and jodo ka dard” (joint and knee pains) at an unexpectedly early age.
These memes hold a degree of truth as Osteoarthritis, typically perceived as a condition associated with aging, is increasingly becoming a significant health issue among young adults aged 25-40 years in India. Once rare in this age group, the condition is on the rise, with studies indicating that approximately 1 in 10 young adults in India is impacted.
In scientific terms, Osteoarthritis denotes a degenerative process or deterioration of joints resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced functionality.
A variety of factors account for the increase in cases, but one’s lifestyle bears the most blame.
Sedentary occupations that require extended sitting hours, incorrect posture, and inactivity are key contributors. Furthermore, the rising obesity rates among youth exert pressure on weight-bearing joints, hastening deterioration. Similar to other ailments, genetic tendencies, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental pollutants are becoming increasingly concerning.
Additionally, medical professionals have observed many young individuals suffering issues due to excessive and high-impact workouts without appropriate guidance, resulting in joint injuries. Mental stress can also exacerbate the condition by fostering inflammation within the body. Experts suggest that unaddressed or inadequately managed sports injuries are another crucial factor in early-onset Osteoarthritis.
Research from the Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019, revealed that around 2.34 crore individuals in India had Osteoarthritis in 1990 and saw an increase to 6.24 crore in 2019. “The prevalence and incidence of osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis were consistently more pronounced in females than males,” stated the study.
News18 interviewed several orthopaedic experts across India to comprehend the trend.
Dr. Mihir Thanvi, consultant orthopaedic at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur, informed News18 that “Osteoarthritis, traditionally associated with aging, is increasingly impacting young adults aged 15 to 25 in the nation”.
Previously uncommon within this demographic, Thanvi considers the rising occurrence to be “alarming.” “Symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility are becoming more prevalent, with my practice observing 3–5 new cases weekly alone.”
Dr. Balaji Patel Kola, senior interventional radiologist at Maven Medical Center, Hyderabad, noted that “both genders are affected, although women appear to experience it slightly more frequently, possibly due to hormonal influences and variations in joint structure”.
In recent years, Kola mentioned an increasing number of young adults presenting with Osteoarthritis. This condition was previously more common in those over 50, but now, patients as young as 25-40 years are arriving with symptoms.
Dr. Sahil Gaba, senior consultant in orthopaedics and joint replacement at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, provided a rough estimate, stating that five years ago, only one to two patients under 50 would be diagnosed with Osteoarthritis. Currently, that estimate has risen to about three to four patients in every 10.
Gaba considers it “concerning” to observe an increase in the relative prevalence of Osteoarthritis in younger age brackets, beginning in the 20s and 30s. He added that surgeons are encountering younger patients requiring surgery for this issue.
“…Studies are also indicating that Osteoarthritis is not simply a wear-and-tear mechanism but involves additional factors like heightened inflammatory markers in the joints. Thus, Osteoarthritis can no longer be regarded as merely an ailment of the elderly.”
Dr. Hemant Bansal, senior consultant in orthopaedics, sports injury, and joint replacement at Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, expressed that “young individuals aged 25 to 35 are exhibiting early signs of Osteoarthritis in knees more significantly than five years prior”.
In addition to known factors, deficiencies in vitamin D3 and B12 also contribute to weakened bone and neuromuscular strength.
Dr. Swapnil Keny, consultant in orthopaedics at Fortis Hospital, Kalyan and Mulund, shared with News18 that “the perception of Osteoarthritis being a disease of old age is now a misconception, and its incidence is indeed on the rise”.
“One of the primary reasons for this is a sedentary lifestyle, paired with an unhealthy diet (including junk food, soft drinks, high-calorie items, and excess sugar consumption). All of this is coupled with a deficiency in physical activities and exercises leading to weight gain, obesity, and increased body mass index (BMI).”
The ramifications of early Osteoarthritis can be quite distressing as it may hinder individuals from executing physical tasks comfortably, thereby impacting their job opportunities. It not only disrupts professional endeavors but also induces psychosocial challenges and escalated healthcare costs.
There is a necessity to enhance awareness regarding the condition among youth so that they can recognize symptoms early. Experts assert that young individuals can considerably lower their risk by maintaining a healthy weight and participating in joint-friendly exercises.
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