World Arthritis Day 2025 highlights a growing concern: arthritis is no longer the purview of the elderly. In a recent interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Akhilesh Rathi, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon from Dwarka, Delhi, sheds light on why younger adults are increasingly vulnerable to arthritis and what can be done to protect joint health early in life.
Understanding the shift: arthritis in the 20s and 30s
Arthritis is often perceived as an old-age problem, but Dr. Akhilesh Rathi notes that joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation are now surfacing in people in their 20s and 30s. Modern lifestyles, characterized by sedentary work, extensive screen time, and insufficient physical activity, create a perfect storm for early joint degeneration. Prolonged sitting and weak muscle support around the joints place extra stress on the knees and spine, accelerating wear-and-tear processes that were once seen primarily in older adults.
Key factors driving early arthritis
Dr. Rathi identifies several intertwined factors contributing to the rise of arthritis among younger individuals:
- Sedentary routines and poor posture that strain the knees and spine.
- Obesity and unhealthy eating patterns, including high sugar and processed food intake, which fuel systemic inflammation.
- Repetitive strenuous activities and sports injuries that damage joint surfaces.
- Chronic stress and sleep deprivation, which can disrupt immune balance and exacerbate inflammation.
“Healthy joints rely on strong supporting muscles. When lifestyle habits fail to build that support, joints wear down faster,” Dr. Rathi explains. He stresses that prevention is easier than treatment and starts with daily choices that reduce inflammatory load and joint strain.
Recognizing the early warning signs
Early detection is crucial. Common signs include morning stiffness, persistent joint swelling, redness, and difficulty moving a joint freely. Many young people dismiss these symptoms as temporary muscle soreness or fatigue. Dr. Rathi cautions that when pain or swelling persists for more than a few weeks, it warrants medical evaluation. Early diagnosis can slow disease progression and preserve joint function.
Prevention strategies for younger adults
While not all arthritis forms are preventable, lifestyle changes offer meaningful risk reduction. Dr. Rathi recommends:
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint load.
- Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise such as swimming, cycling, or yoga to strengthen supporting muscles without overloading joints.
- Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fats.
- Taking breaks from prolonged sitting, practicing good posture, and ensuring adequate Vitamin D levels.
Prevention is about awareness and consistent habits that protect joints over the long term.
Treatment approaches and the role of early intervention
Arthritis treatment is highly personalized. For milder cases, physiotherapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications can manage symptoms effectively. Autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis may require disease-modifying drugs to slow progression. When arthritis significantly affects movement and quality of life, surgical options such as joint replacement can offer durable relief. Dr. Rathi highlights that modern techniques, including minimally invasive procedures and durable implants, lead to quicker recovery and better functional outcomes.
He remains optimistic: “Our joints are designed to last a lifetime. With timely care, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, arthritis doesn’t have to dictate how we move, live, or enjoy life.”
World Arthritis Day 2025 takeaway
The rising incidence of arthritis among younger adults serves as a reminder that joint health must be nurtured early. By prioritizing movement, mindful nutrition, and proactive medical assessment, individuals in their 20s and 30s can protect their joints for decades to come. For families and communities, this means spreading awareness, debunking myths about arthritis, and encouraging practical lifestyle changes that support long-term mobility.
Also Read | World Arthritis Day: Wardha radiologist explains a new minimally invasive procedure that could save years of knee pain
