Rising Arthritis Cases Among Indian Youth Warns Hyderabad’s Top Orthopedic

Arthritis Is No Longer Just an Ageing Disease: Hyderabad’s Leading Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Karthik Gudaru, on Rising Cases Among Indian Youth

For decades, arthritis has been stereotyped as a health issue affecting only the elderly. Stiff joints, chronic pain, and reduced mobility were seen as inevitable companions of old age. However, this perception is rapidly changing in India. An increasing number of young adults in their 20s, 30s, and even late teens are being diagnosed with various forms of arthritis.

What was once considered an age-related condition has now emerged as a growing concern among Indian youth. Sedentary lifestyles, changing food habits, rising stress levels, and lack of physical awareness are pushing arthritis into younger age groups, making it a serious public health issue that deserves attention, says Dr Karthik Gudaru, who is one of the most experienced and highly successful orthopaedic surgeons for knee joint and arthritis in Hyderabad.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single disease but an umbrella term used to describe more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, surrounding tissues, and connective structures. It primarily involves inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement. Over time, arthritis can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and reduce overall quality of life.

The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis. While osteoarthritis is traditionally associated with wear and tear of joints over time, inflammatory forms like rheumatoid arthritis are autoimmune in nature, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. Contrary to popular belief, these conditions are not limited by age and can develop at any stage of life.

Why Arthritis Is Increasing Among Indian Youth?

According to Dr Karthik Gudaru, Hyderabad’s top orthopaedic surgeon for arthritis, shares some reasons:

1. Sedentary Lifestyle and Poor Posture

One of the biggest contributors to early-onset arthritis among Indian youth is a sedentary lifestyle. Long working hours at desks, excessive screen time, and minimal physical activity have become the norm. Poor posture while using laptops and smartphones places continuous stress on the neck, spine, hips, and knees. Over time, this abnormal stress accelerates joint degeneration and leads to early joint wear, increasing the risk of arthritis.

2. Obesity and Rapid Weight Gain

India is witnessing a sharp rise in obesity among young adults due to unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. Excess body weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and ankles. Even a small increase in weight can significantly raise the load on joints, speeding up cartilage damage and triggering early osteoarthritis.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Modern diets are often high in calories but low in essential nutrients. Many young Indians suffer from deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are crucial for bone and joint health. Vitamin D deficiency, in particular, is widespread due to limited sun exposure and indoor lifestyles. Poor nutrition weakens bones, affects cartilage health, and makes joints more vulnerable to inflammation and damage.

4. Lack of Physical Conditioning and Overtraining

While some young people avoid physical activity altogether, others go to the opposite extreme. Sudden involvement in high-intensity workouts, improper gym techniques, or excessive sports without adequate conditioning can cause repetitive joint injuries. Without proper warm-up, strength training, and recovery, joints are subjected to microtrauma that accumulates over time, increasing the risk of arthritis at a young age.

5. Rising Autoimmune Disorders

Inflammatory arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are increasingly being diagnosed in young Indians. Genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, infections, and stress are believed to play a role in the rising incidence of autoimmune disorders. These conditions often begin silently, with mild joint pain and stiffness, and progress if not diagnosed early.

6. Chronic Stress and Sleep Deprivation

Urban lifestyles bring high stress levels, irregular work schedules, and inadequate sleep. Chronic stress triggers inflammatory responses in the body and disrupts immune function. Poor sleep further impairs the body’s ability to repair tissues, including joints. Over time, this constant inflammatory state increases the likelihood of developing arthritis or worsening existing joint problems.

7. Ignoring Early Symptoms

Young people often dismiss joint pain as temporary or insignificant, assuming arthritis is “too early” for their age. This delay in seeking medical attention leads to late diagnosis, by which time joint damage may have already progressed. Early intervention is crucial in managing arthritis and preventing long-term disability.

The Impact of Early-Onset Arthritis

Arthritis in youth does more than cause physical pain. It affects productivity, mental health, and long-term career prospects. Chronic pain and limited mobility can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced participation in social activities. Over time, untreated arthritis can result in permanent joint damage, deformities, and the need for surgical interventions at a much younger age than expected.

Prevention and Awareness: The Way Forward

The good news is that arthritis in young people is not inevitable. Awareness, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk and slow disease progression. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, balanced nutrition, ergonomic work setups, stress management, and adequate sleep all play a vital role in protecting joint health. Listening to the body and consulting a specialist at the first sign of persistent joint pain can make a substantial difference.

Arthritis is no longer just an ageing disease. In India, it is increasingly affecting the youth, driven by lifestyle changes, nutritional gaps, stress, and lack of awareness. Recognising that joint health is a lifelong responsibility is the first step toward prevention. By making informed choices today, Indian youth can protect their joints, maintain mobility, and avoid the long-term consequences of early-onset arthritis.