When we hear the word arthritis, most of us tend to picture an old person struggling with painful knees and other joints. But arthritis is not limited to old age. Today, young adults are also seen at orthopaedic centres complaining about joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Yes, an increasing number of young people have started developing arthritis. But why is this happening?
We can’t just say: “people are getting older earlier.” Arthritis has many different types, and several factors can affect joint health at a young age.
| 👉Arthritis in young adults (typically younger than 45) is often referred to as early-onset arthritis, while arthritis affecting young children is known as juvenile arthritis. |
Arthritis is More than Just Wear and Tear
One common misconception about arthritis is that it happens because joints get worn out with age. While OA or osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis) is often associated with ageing, it can also develop earlier.
Changes in cartilage, bone, and other joint tissues can contribute to the condition. The likelihood of OA is higher after a joint injury, repeated stress, or certain medical conditions.
Apart from this, there are other forms of arthritis that are caused by inflammation instead of everyday wear and tear. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other inflammatory forms of the condition. These arthritis forms can affect younger adults, sometimes even those in their 20s and 30s.
That is why you must not ignore persistent joint pain, whatever your age.
Types of Arthritis in Young Adults
Here are some common arthritis types affecting younger people:
| Type of Arthritis | Explanation |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) | An autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system starts attacking healthy tissue, including joints, causing inflammation. |
| Psoriatic Arthritis | A chronic type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in nearly 30 out of 100 psoriasis patients. Along with skin issues, there may be swelling, warmth, and pain in the joints. |
| Ankylosing Spondylitis | Another chronic inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. |
| Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) | A chronic autoimmune condition wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation and damage. Multiple organs are affected, including joints and skin. |
| Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) | A type of arthritis that starts in childhood (often before the age of 16) and can continue into adulthood. Joint inflammation in JIA can last for six weeks or longer. |
| Gout | A common and painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid, leading to sudden, painful swelling and stiffness, usually in the joints, especially the big toe. |
Previous Injuries: A Future Arthritis Risk
Ever suffered a sports injury, ligament tear, fracture, or damage to the cartilage in your school or college days? You may think the injury healed fully at that time. However, an injured joint may become more vulnerable to problems in the future.
You may have participated in various outdoor sports like running, football, cricket, gymming, and other high-impact activities. While generally good for overall well-being and joint function, these physical activities may put considerable stress on your joints, especially if you increase your activity suddenly or exercise without proper technique.
*Note: A previous injury does not mean arthritis is inevitable, but it can increase the risk of developing joint problems later.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Harmful for Joint Health
Excess of everything is bad. Most of us know that a sedentary lifestyle puts you at risk of several diseases. It may seem surprising, but too little movement can be a problem for your joints, too.
Have a desk job? Long hours sitting in one place, working on a laptop, or scrolling on a phone can have a significant negative effect on your joints. It can be one of the reasons that muscles supporting the joints become weaker as the body gets less overall physical activity.
Regular, appropriate movement and exercise or physical activity can help maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and joint function.
No, it does not necessarily mean that you should spend long hours at the gym. Walking, stretching, strength exercises, and other suitable activities can make a big difference.
*Note: A sedentary lifestyle does not necessarily cause arthritis, but prolonged inactivity can contribute to muscle weakness and reduced physical function.
Extra Weight: More Stress on Weight-Bearing Joints
Obesity is a big issue, not just for general well-being and appearance but also for your joints. The knees, hips, and ankles carry much of your body weight throughout the day. If you are overweight or obese, it can increase the mechanical load on these joints.
But the connection between weight and arthritis is not only about pressure on the joints. Excess body fat can also contribute to inflammation in the body.
Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can help reduce stress on the joints, support overall health, and lower the likelihood of arthritis.
Other Aspects: Genetics and Autoimmune Conditions
Some young adults do not have any of the above risk factors and follow a healthy lifestyle, yet they develop arthritis. Why is it so?
Certain types of arthritis have a genetic element. A family history of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis-related arthritis may increase a person’s risk.
In autoimmune arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, including structures around the joints. These arthritic conditions can also affect young adults, who may then require medical treatment to prevent joint damage.
Persistent Joint Symptoms? Don’t Ignore Them
Some occasional and mild joint issues after a workout are usually different from joint symptoms that refuse to go away or gradually become worse.
Pay attention if you experience any of the following in a joint:
- Persistent joint pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Warmth around a joint
- Reduced movement
- Prolonged morning stiffness
Also, if you have pain affecting several joints, particularly when accompanied by unusual fatigue or other symptoms, it becomes important to consult a trusted healthcare provider.
This is important because joint pain can have many different causes, and treatment depends on the underlying condition. Depending on the symptoms and suspected diagnosis, evaluation may involve an orthopaedic specialist, rheumatologist, or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Young Joints Deserve Attention Too
You may not expect to have arthritis at a younger age, such as in your 30s or 40s. But it is not something to be ignored or dismissed, thinking: “I’m too young for arthritis.”
Want to have healthy joints? Prioritise regular movement and appropriate exercise alongside maintaining a healthy weight, preventing injuries, and seeking medical advice if you face any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
Most importantly, it is essential to understand that joint pain at a young age is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Finding the underlying cause early can help you take the right steps to protect your mobility and stay active for years to come.
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