fazTimes media: People used to think that arthritis was a disease that came with getting older, but now it's showing up in young people, like teens and twenties, which is strange and scary. People used to think that joint pain, stiffness, and tiredness were just signs of getting older or overworking themselves, but now doctors tell people to take these symptoms seriously. That being said, early discovery can help keep damage from getting worse over time. Early-onset arthritis is a public health issue that is getting worse.

People of "old age" no longer get arthritis.

More and more young people in India and around the world are showing signs of illnesses that affect their joints. Doctors say that jobs with a lot of stress, bad posture, long hours in front of a screen, not doing much physical activity, and living more and more sedentary lives are all big causes. Many young people work at desks for 10–12 hours a day and don't move around much, which puts a lot of stress on their muscular system.

Experts at King Edward VII Hospital in the UK say it is now clear that arthritis does not just affect older people. A rheumatologist in Mumbai, Dr. Anita Menon, says, "We are seeing a big rise in cases of early osteoarthritis and even autoimmune arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis in people in their 20s and 30s." "Irreversible damage and chronic joint pain can result from ignoring early symptoms."

Signs that you should pay attention to

It's normal to feel tired or sore after a long day or a workout, but joint pain that won't go away or can't be explained could be a sign of something more serious. The following are some common signs of early arthritis:

Having stiff joints in the morning? If you feel stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking up, it could be because of inflammation in your joints.

Knee, hip, back, or finger pain: Arthritis doesn't always start in one place; it can happen all at once.

Trouble with daily tasks: If it's hard for you to do normal things like hold a coffee mug or climb stairs, it could mean that your joints are weak.

Pain and warmth: Inflamed joints may feel painful and warm even when you only apply light pressure to them.

Unexplained fatigue: If you feel tired all the time for no clear reason, your immune system may be reacting to joint inflammation. Some types of arthritis that these signs could point to are psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Figuring out the type is important for picking the best treatment.

Why does this happen to young adults?

There have been big changes in how people live in the last ten years. Because most jobs require long hours in front of a screen, a lot of young adults are stuck in their chairs, often with bad posture. Joint problems get worse because of how stressful work is these days and how little time people have for fun or exercise. Being overweight is another important risk factor. Joint degeneration happens much faster when you are overweight because you put more stress on your back, hips, and knees. Lack of certain nutrients, especially vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, can also make bones and joints more likely to break.

There is also a genetic aspect to it. If arthritis runs in your family, you may be more likely to get it early in life.

What are you able to do? Early identification is very important. When arthritis is found early, it can make a big difference. MRIs, X-rays, and blood tests are often used by doctors to find inflammation and joint wear and tear. But being aware of yourself is the first step. If you often have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should see a general practitioner or rheumatologist.

He warns, "People frequently disregard the symptoms or self-medicate with painkillers, which can mask the problem without addressing the root cause."

Therapies and changes to one's lifestyle that work

How you treat arthritis depends on what kind it is and how bad it is. Autoimmune diseases like psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis can be slowed down by taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) early on. Physiotherapy and making changes to how you live can often help control osteoarthritis symptoms.

To protect their joints, young people can do the following things:

Keep doing things.

Low-impact sports like walking, yoga, riding, swimming, and others help keep joints flexible without hurting them. It's important to avoid being inactive for long periods of time. Taking short breaks to stretch or go for a walk can be very helpful.

Watch your weight

Every extra kilogram puts extra stress on your joints that doesn't need to be there. Eating a healthy diet and working out often are the best ways to stay fit and protect your joints.

Work out the muscles that support your body

Strength training routines can make the muscles around joints stronger, which can make them less stressed. Talk to a physiotherapist or exercise expert to make a plan that works for you.

Take care of your joints

Fruits and green leafy veggies are good sources of antioxidants. Flaxseeds, walnuts, and fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. And fortified foods and sunlight are good sources of vitamin D. Stay away from processed foods, red meat, and too much sugar because they can make inflammation worse.

Ergonomics and How You Stand

If you work at a desk, make sure that your chair and workspace are set up in a way that is good for your body. If you use back supports and stand up straight, you can avoid back and neck problems.

How does the future look to you?

People with arthritis don't have to die from it if they know about it and act quickly. Some teens and young adults can live full and busy lives if they get help for their symptoms right away and are diagnosed early. Also, doctors are learning more about arthritis, which is exciting news. People who get a diagnosis early have hope because new drugs and biologic medicines are always being made.

India is slowly getting better results because more people are aware of the problem. More young people with symptoms are going to hospitals and getting care before their conditions get worse. Businesses and schools are also being told to create areas that promote better health, like standing desks and yoga breaks.

Briefly,

Stress or "just getting older" shouldn't make you ignore joint pain or tiredness that won't go away if you're in your 20s or 30s. Early arthritis is real and is becoming more common, but it can be managed with the right food, way of life, and medical help. By being informed and taking care of your joints right away, you can stay ahead of the game and protect them for the rest of your life.

Does your body hurt or feel stiff in your joints? Don't think twice! Talk to your doctor and think about getting a regular checkup to rule out early signs of arthritis.

From the Health Desk at fazTimes