According to Dr. Ashish Arbat, Orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon, Jehangir General Hospital, Pune (India), osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, commonly known as a disease of the elderly, but is currently increasing rapidly in the young population. This disease not only affects the quality of life but also causes severe pain and weakens mobility.
Causes of increased osteoarthritis in young people
Osteoporosis is a disease of osteoarthritis that occurs when the cartilage protective layer of the joint is eroded, causing the bone tips to come into direct contact with each other. This disease has become common in people aged 35-45, while it previously mainly affected people aged 55 and over.
Dr Ashish Arbat says the main causes of increased osteoarthritis in young people include:
sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for long periods of time and being sedentary puts great pressure on the joints, especially in office workers.
Obesity: Being overweight increases pressure on joints, especially the knee joint, causing cartilage degeneration.
Long periods of sitting: The habit of sitting in front of a computer screen or phone for too long makes joints susceptible to degeneration.
Unhealthy diet: Deficiency of essential nutrients for bones can weaken joint health.
The impact of osteoarthritis on young people
Osteoporosis not only causes pain but also seriously affects the patient's mobility. The negative effects of this disease include:
Joint pain and difficulty moving: Damaged joints will cause pain, making it difficult to walk and perform daily activities.
Reduced ability to participate in physical activities: When the joints are degenerative, the patient will have difficulty participating in sports and physical activities.
Reduced quality of life: Osteoporosis has a major impact on the lives of young people, reducing their confidence and ability to participate in social activities.
How to prevent osteoarthritis in young people
To prevent osteoarthritis, Dr. Arbat recommends the following measures for young people:
Increase physical activity: Regular exercise is an effective way to maintain joint health. Exercises such as yoga, swimming, or low-impact exercises help strengthen muscles and reduce pressure on joints.
Maintain a reasonable weight: Weight loss will help reduce pressure on joints, especially the joints of knees, hips and spine. A healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D will help keep bones and joints healthy.
Avoid sitting for long periods and changing postures: Office workers should stand up and move frequently to reduce pressure on the joints.
Prevent injuries: For people who participate in sports or activities at high risk, joint protection is needed and safety measures are taken to avoid injuries.
