‘Your joints are ageing before you: How arthritis is creeping into the 20s and 30s’

Pune: Arthritis, once considered an ailment of the elderly, is increasingly affecting people as young as 20, warn doctors ahead of World Arthritis Day.

Experts say sedentary lifestyles, long hours at desks, poor posture, stress, and genetic predisposition are driving a surge in arthritis cases among young adults aged 20 to 40.

“There’s a surge in arthritis among young adults between 20 and 40 years. Four out of ten people visiting me every month come with symptoms of joint pain and stiffness linked to arthritis,” said Dr Anup Gadekar, Orthopedic Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Pune.

He explained that prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, injuries, obesity, and autoimmune conditions are among the key risk factors. Common symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, swelling, warmth, reduced flexibility, and fatigue.

Doctors emphasise that early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent chronic pain and joint deformities. “Many young people dismiss joint stiffness or pain as temporary, but these can be the first signs of arthritis,” Dr. Gadekar added.

Modern treatment approaches — including minimally invasive surgeries, targeted biologic therapies, and structured physiotherapy — are helping younger patients maintain mobility and lead active lives.

Alongside medical care, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, weight management, balanced nutrition, and stress control can significantly reduce the risk and progression of arthritis.

As arthritis rates continue to climb among younger populations, experts urge people to stay alert to early warning signs and seek timely medical advice rather than self-managing persistent joint pain.