Not Just Old Age Creaks: Understanding Osteoarthritis in Young Adults - Dr Prateek Gupta

When you hear the term osteoarthritis, you probably envision an older person with sore joints or stiff knees. But what most people are unaware of is that osteoarthritis (OA) is no longer an "old age" disease.

Increasing numbers of young adults in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed with this degenerative joint disease, sometimes without having a clue what to expect.

A 2021 study published in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders revealed an alarming increase in early-onset osteoarthritis, especially in young people with physically inactive lifestyles, obesity, or past injuries to the joints.

In India, orthopaedic experts are reporting patients as young as 25 presenting with stiffness in the joints, knee pain, and restricted mobility—ailments previously blamed on ageing bones.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is an illness where the cushioning cartilage around your joints slowly deteriorates, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased flexibility.

Though age is a certain causative factor, young adults can get OA because of numerous lifestyle and medical causes.

Early Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis in Young Adults

Be aware of these signs, particularly if they continue over time:

1. Pain in the joints following exercise:

If you are experiencing knee, hip, or wrist ache after walking, exercising, or simply standing for prolonged periods, it may be more than tiredness, it may be premature cartilage wear.

2. Morning stiffness over 30 minutes:

If your joints are stiff in the morning and take a while to adjust, it may be an early OA symptom, rather than "sleep stiffness."

3. Clicking or grinding sensations:

A grating or popping sensation in the joint when moving may be a sign of cartilage wear or joint surface abrasion.

4. Swelling and joint inflammation:

Intermittent swelling after exercise—particularly if it continues to come back, is a warning sign for joint inflammation.

5. Narrowing of the range of motion:

If your joint movement feels tight—like you can't really bend or stretch your knee or elbow, it may be OA on the rise.

Tips to Prevent and Manage Early-Onset OA

• Maintain a healthy weight - Every extra kilo adds pressure on your knees and hips. Even a 5–10% weight reduction can significantly reduce joint strain.
• Strengthen supporting muscles - Regular strength training helps support joints and distribute load better. Focus on exercises for the thighs, glutes, and core.
• Avoid high-impact workouts - Swap running or jumping with low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and yoga, especially if you’ve had joint injuries before.
• Take screen breaks and stay mobile - Long periods of sitting make joints stiff and compromise support muscles. Stand, stretch, or walk every 30–60 minutes.
• Don't ignore pain - Teenagers tend to disregard joint pain, thinking it's just temporary. If pain persists for more than a week, have it evaluated early.

Unless treated, early-onset OA can advance quickly and severely restrict mobility. Young adults with late stages of the disease may need surgical treatments like arthroscopy (joint cleaning), osteotomy (bone realignment), or joint replacement surgery to regain function and reduce pain.

Osteoarthritis is not only an issue for the older population any more. Your 20s and 30s are not too early to get started on protecting your joints.

Paying attention to your body, being active, and obtaining medical consultation in its early stages can be the difference-maker in avoiding long-term joint damage.