12/10/2024
My article on Arthritis in young population In Times Of India , Prayagraj
On World Arthritis Day , 12th October.
*Increasing Arthritis in Younger Population Due to Changing Lifestyle*
By Dr. Naveen Singh
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics
MLN Medical College, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
In recent years, there’s been a worrying rise in cases of arthritis among younger population. something that’s caught the attention of health experts and doctors alike. Traditionally, arthritis was thought to be an issue for older age group population so called Degenerative arthritis, but now more and more young people in their 20s and 30s are showing symptoms called inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis can occur in several settings, and inflammation can be caused by autoimmune processes (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.), crystal deposition induced inflammation (gout, pseudogout, basic calcium phosphate disease) or infections. This worrying trend can be linked largely to the way lifestyles have changed in the modern world.
*Sedentary Lifestyles and Poor Posture*
One of the main reasons behind the increase in arthritis cases in younger people is how inactive life has become for many. With so many jobs now being desk-based, and more people working from home or spending long hours on their phones and laptops, it means we’re sitting still for long periods. Often, our posture is poor too. Sitting for so long without moving puts extra pressure on our joints, especially in the knees, spine, and hips. This all leads to joints wearing out much sooner than they used to.
*Obesity and Diet*
Another factor contributing to arthritis is poor diet, which is causing obesity rates to skyrocket in young people. With fast food and processed meals being so common, many young adults are putting on extra weight, which puts extra pressure on joints like the knees and hips. This overweight changes the body metabolical process and triggers inflammation to these joints and wear and tear over time, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis even in people who aren’t that old.
*Lack of Physical Activity*
Physical activity is crucial for keeping joints healthy, but many younger people aren't getting enough exercise. Exercise helps build muscles that support the joints, making them stronger.
This lack of movement contributes to joint problems, especially when people don’t stretch or strengthen the muscles that support these joints.
*Increased Use of Technology*
Technology has changed our lives, but it’s also caused new problems. Constant use of mobile phones, computers, and video games means many people are repeating the same movements over and over. This leads to strain on the small joints in fingers, wrists, and shoulders. Over time, these repetitive movements can lead to joints pain and inflammation, even in younger people, especially in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
*Stress and Mental Health*
Stress is another factor that often gets overlooked. Long-term stress leads to inflammation in the body, which is one of the causes of arthritis. Young people today face a lot of pressure from work, studies, and personal life, and this stress is contributing to more cases of inflammatory arthritis and other autoimmune conditions which was once rare among younger populations.
*Preventive Measures*
Doctors and health experts are now calling for more awareness about arthritis in young people. They recommend simple lifestyle changes like staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and practicing good posture to prevent arthritis. It’s also important to eat a balanced diet, including anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s, which help keep joints healthy.
While arthritis used to be considered something you’d worry about in old age, it’s becoming a growing issue for young adults too. It’s important that people recognize how lifestyle choices can affect their joint health and start making changes early. By staying active, eating well, and managing stress, young people can reduce the risk of arthritis and maintain healthier joints as they age.
