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When you hear the term "arthritis," you normally think of old age. It's widely thought to be a disorder that strikes seniors as a result of years of use and abuse on the joints. But as an orthopedic physician, what I experience is a far different reality. Arthritis does and can strike young adults—and even kids. Sadly, because of this widespread misunderstanding, a lot of young patients remain undiagnosed for years, and the disease worsens, causing permanent damage.


Knowing Arthritis in the Young

Arthritis is not one disease, but rather a collection of more than 100 different diseases that lead to joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Although osteoarthritis is the most closely linked to aging, autoimmune forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may strike children, teens, and young adults in their 20s or 30s.


In autoimmune arthritis, the immune system of the body mistakenly targets its own healthy tissues—particularly the joints—leading to inflammation and pain. Gradually, this damages the cartilage, deforms the joint, and restricts movement if not treated.


Why Early Diagnosis Matters

One of the most important reasons why we stress awareness among youth is that early identification is imperative. In contrast to osteoarthritis, which slowly develops with age, autoimmune arthritis may suddenly start and rapidly advance. The joint lining (synovium) gets inflamed and causes synovial hypertrophy and cartilage damage. Cartilage once destroyed does not regrow, and the damage is usually irreversible.


Identifying these conditions early enables us to initiate treatment that can suppress the abnormal response of the immune system. In most instances, this can avert the necessity for joint replacement later on in life.


Signs to Look Out For

Parents and young adults need to be aware of the warning signs, which are:

• Chronic joint pain or swelling
• Morning stiffness longer than 30 minutes
• Fatigue or low-grade fever
• Decreased range of motion in joints
• Limping or inability to do daily activities

These should never be brushed aside as "growing pains" or overuse, particularly if they recur.


Treatment and Prognosis

Owing to advances in medicine, autoimmune arthritis can be treated well with disease-modifying drugs, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. The aim is to treat inflammation, stop symptoms, and avoid damage to the joint.


In children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, early treatment is often followed by remission for the long term. In young adults, successful treatment allows them to have active, productive lives without undue restriction.


Arthritis is not only a condition of old age. Children and young adults do get it—and with long-term consequences if it is not diagnosed and treated early. As a rheumatologist, I appealing to parents, teachers, and even pediatricians to be vigilant and take early action in recognizing the warning signs.


The sooner we intervene, the more we can safeguard young joints and guarantee an arthritis-free life.

(Dr Rajeev Ranjan Kumar, Rheumatologist , CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram)

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