Every year on World Arthritis Day, we’re reminded of the global fight against joint pain. This year, doctors in Hyderabad are shining a spotlight on a particularly concerning trend: a noticeable increase in young Indians battling arthritis and other debilitating autoimmune conditions.
Held annually on October 12th, World Arthritis Day serves as a vital platform to educate the public about arthritis. This isn’t just one disease; it’s a broad term encompassing over 200 different conditions that all lead to inflammation, persistent pain, stiffness, and sometimes severe joint deformity.
It’s crucial to understand that ‘arthritis’ isn’t a single ailment. Instead, it’s an umbrella term covering more than 200 conditions that target our joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Dr. Ajay Kumar Paruchuri, a Senior Consultant in Orthopaedics at Care Hospitals, warns that many individuals dismiss initial symptoms like stiffness, swelling, or pain as mere signs of aging. He stresses that such delays can result in serious complications, often necessitating surgical intervention later on.
Osteoarthritis, commonly affecting knees, hips, and the spine, is still the most prevalent type, especially among older demographics. Dr. Paruchuri noted that for those with mild to moderate cases, non-surgical approaches are highly effective. These include physiotherapy, positive lifestyle changes, using joint supports, and intra-articular injections, all aimed at maintaining joint function and significantly easing pain.
However, a worrying trend is emerging: rheumatologists are observing a significant increase in autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) among younger individuals, particularly those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Dr. Ramineni Naga Tejaswini, a Consultant Rheumatologist at Apollo Hospitals, highlights the severe impact of these conditions, explaining that a rising number of young Indians are developing autoimmune diseases that not only cripple joints but can also severely impact their careers. She points out that many patients unfortunately seek help only after experiencing symptoms for months or even years, by which time considerable joint damage and organ involvement may have already occurred. Her crucial message is that ‘simple blood tests and a thorough clinical evaluation can detect these diseases early. If treatment begins within the initial few months, we can entirely prevent deformities and ensure patients retain full functionality.’