World Arthritis Day 2024: Why more young people are developing arthritis

Different forms of arthritis like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis have come to be recognised as medical conditions that only affect the elderly. However, arthritis can also affect youngsters, a phenomenon that has become more prevalent in recent times.

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, who is in her 30s, had recently revealed suffering from arthritis. Many such instances of people in their 20s and 30s living with this condition have been reported. Although arthritis still primarily affects old people, it is not surprising to see youngsters being diagnosed with it.

Arthritis affects the bones and joints, causing immense pain and discomfort in carrying out basic day-to-day activities. Given the severity of the condition, World Arthritis Day is observed every year on October 12 to raise awareness about the realities of living with arthritis.

On this occasion, mid-day.com speaks to Dr. Anup Khatri, Senior Consultant - Orthopedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, and Dr. Swapnil Keny, Consultant - Orthopedics, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, who reveal why this condition has become common in youngsters, overlooked habits that are causing this and steps one can follow to navigate life with arthritis.

Can someone get arthritis even in their 20s and 30s?
Khatri: Arthritis is not limited to the older population aged 60-75 but is also seen in youngsters. Now, people aged 20-30 are also coming with complaints of arthritis. One of the factors behind the early onset of arthritis is genetic predisposition. So, those with a family history of autoimmune diseases may be at a greater risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis even at a young age. Furthermore, lifestyle choices play a significant role in the early onset of arthritis. Nowadays, a large number of youngsters tend to follow a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity is absent. Many fail to eat nutritious diets and become overweight or obese which can weaken joints and accelerate wear and tear on cartilage, leading to issues like osteoarthritis sooner than anticipated. Even stress can trigger inflammatory responses within the body that can cause arthritis. Hence, the younger generation must take utmost care of their bones and joints by adhering to a well-balanced lifestyle.

Keny: Certain factors can lead to early-onset arthritis, including autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Specific injuries from sports or road accidents can damage the cartilage, resulting in Post-Traumatic Arthritis. A sedentary lifestyle, obesity and low muscle mass can also contribute to the development of arthritis at a young age. Furthermore, systemic diseases such as Gout and Psoriasis may present arthritic symptoms.

What are the top causes of arthritis, especially at a young age?
Khatri: The various causes of arthritis in youngsters can be a rise in autoimmune diseases, where the body's immune system tends to attack its healthy joint tissues. Now, lack of exercise and poor eating habits that include higher consumption of junk, spicy, oily, canned, and processed food can cause joint pain and inflammation and one may be prone to arthritis. Mindlessly engaging in high-impact sports can lead to joint injuries that manifest as osteoarthritis later in life. Exposure to unhealthy environments can trigger latent genetic markers associated with various types of inflammatory arthritis. Even stress causes increased joint pain and puts one at risk of arthritis.

Keny: Some major causes of arthritis at a young age are:
• Genetic and autoimmune conditions - JRA, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Obesity and lack of exercise
• Post Traumatic Arthritis from sports injuries
• Arthritis due to infection in joints
• Improper diet and lifestyle

What are some overlooked things that one does daily that are contributing to causing arthritis?
Khatri: Many youngsters, due to erratic schedules, avoid exercising and that is wrong. It is the need of the hour for the younger population to stick to a regular exercise routine. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week to avoid joint pain, stiffness, tenderness and arthritis. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lentils as eating processed foods causes inflammation in the joints. Many people also do high-impact activities that can take a toll on their joints and may induce arthritis.

Keny: The most important thing that we do daily that can contribute to the onset of arthritis is not doing the requisite exercises to maintain good muscle tone. Lack of exercise along with consumption of junk food, sedentary life and work-from-home culture contributes to rising obesity. Delayed consultation with orthopedic surgeons following any knee trauma can add to this. Additionally, continuing to engage in ground-level activities, such as squatting or sitting cross-legged, even after the onset of arthritis can exacerbate the condition.

Which foods should be avoided to prevent or manage arthritis and why?
Khatri: When it comes to managing arthritis, what you eat will make a difference. One has to ensure to eat well and pay attention to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lentils. It is imperative to avoid processed and fried foods, which contain unhealthy fats and preservatives that can hurt your joints and cause pain, inflammation and swelling. Moreover, these foods contribute to weight gain, putting extra strain on already vulnerable joints. Sugary snacks and beverages can lead to spikes in insulin levels, which are linked to increased inflammation and raise the chances of arthritis. Excessive salt intake through artificial sources can provoke inflammation by triggering an immune response, exacerbating joint pain over time.

Keny: Junk food like soda, high-calorie diets, and fried and fast-food items should be strictly avoided as they can increase your Body Mass Index (BMI) and can be responsible for the onset of arthritis.

How can one conduct day-to-day activities with arthritis?
Khatri: Managing day-to-day activities with arthritis requires various strategies and a positive mindset. One effective tip is to opt for adaptive tools that can ease daily tasks. For example, kitchen gadgets, jar openers or even dressing aids that require minimal hand strength. Don't bend while cooking and take help, if required. Try to opt for easy and healthy dishes that may not require you to stand for a longer time as one can feel pain. Use grab bars and handles at home and in the washroom, and ensure enough lighting at home to avoid falls. Including gentle physical activity in your day can also make a significant difference. Activities like swimming or yoga are not only low-impact, but they enhance flexibility and reduce stiffness while promoting mental well-being. Break larger chores into smaller segments throughout the day instead of pushing through everything at once to minimise the chances of fatigue and flare-ups.

Keny: Here are some tips to navigate life with arthritis:
• Try to go for regular walks for at least 30 minutes in the morning sunlight.
• Incorporate exercises that target the thigh and calf muscles to help alleviate knee pain.
• It's best to avoid ground-level activities like squatting and sitting cross-legged.
• Cycling and practices like yoga & aerobics can be very beneficial.
• Focus on incorporating high-protein and low-calorie foods into your diet. Also include calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products, eggs, soybeans, Tofu, Amaranth, Moringa, Almonds, Figs, and fish, like Sardines and Mackerel in your everyday meals.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult your physician or a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.