Arthritis – Age no bar

Arthritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of a joint, often accompanied by pain and structural changes in the bones and this condition has diverse causes such as infection, crystal deposition or injury that directly affects the joints.

Hence in simple terms arthritis can be defined as any disorder that affects the joints in the body. Most people would connect arthritis to old age, and this is not a grave misconception as we often hear and relate the conditions with the elderly. This is a misconception and people belonging to any age can have arthritis.

Arthritis affects over 15 per cent of the people in the country and has a higher prevalence than many of the well-known diseases. It presents itself in various modes and is common in young adults. Dr B Chakradhar Reddy sheds light on the causes and symptoms specifically related to children and young adults in India

Sports injuries: The trauma of sports inquiries can cause osteoarthritis in adults of any age. Common injuries that may lead to osteoarthritis include: torn cartilage, dislocated joints and ligament injuries

Electronic Gadgets: The amount of time the younger generation spends on mobile phones computers and other gaming devices, they become prone to developing osteoarthritis of the wrists and fingers. The postures while using these devices can cause joint disorders of the spine and hip. These forms of arthritis are becoming more common these days.

Autoimmune disorders: One of the most common forms of arthritis in children and young adults is autoimmune disorders. Our immune system helps to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, but in the case of autoimmune disorders, the immune system tends to attack some of the healthy cells and tissues that can cause infections and inflammation of joints.

Obesity: Although Arthritis affects people of all ages, genders, and sizes, the risk increases if one is overweight. Excess body weight places additional stress on the joints, especially knees, hips, and back. It can also cause cartilage damage, which is the hallmark of osteoarthritis

Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, particularly if you have a genetic predisposition for developing the disease. Smoking also appears to be associated with greater disease severity.

Heredity: One is more likely to suffer from arthritis symptoms if their parents, grandparents, or siblings have arthritis. Arthritis tends to run in the family, especially if one has genetic joint defects. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis is pain, swelling, morning stiffness and difficulty in doing daily activities.

It increases with age and it is recommended to see the specialist doctor as early as possible. Depending upon the stage of arthritis the doctor will advise treatment which could be medicines, exercises or minimally invasive knee surgery. Author is Orthopaedic Surgeon & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kondapur