When we think of arthritis or any other joint-related problem, we picture an elderly individual. But the truth is that arthritis is not just an old person’s condition, rather can affect people of all ages. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Raghu Nagaraj, Director-Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, shares insight on the factors other than age that can make one prone to arthritis, emphasising that the condition can affect even the younger population.
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More Than 100 Types Of Arthritis
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 100 different types of arthritis. The most common ones include:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most prevalent form of arthritis, often associated with ageing and wear and tear on the joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis affects individuals with psoriasis and can cause joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Gout: It occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A type of arthritis that affects children and adolescents, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: This form of arthritis primarily affects the spine and can cause stiffness and pain in the back and neck.
Lupus-related Arthritis: It is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and can affect multiple joints in the body.
Risk Factors Of Arthritis Other Than Age
“Arthritis can affect any age group, including young individuals, as it can be hereditary at times,” said Dr Nagaraj. Other risk factors include:
- Family history
- Repetitive injuries
- Being overweight
- Smoking
In addition, data suggests women are more prone to arthritis than men. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.8 crore people worldwide were living with rheumatoid arthritis in 2019, of which about 70% are women, and 55% are older than 55 years.
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Symptoms Of Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms of arthritis include:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Joint swelling
- Joint tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Fatigue
- Joint deformities
- Difficulty with daily tasks
As per the WHO, pain and difficulty moving can lead to problems with sexual function and intimate relationships. Furthermore, difficulty in moving easily can cause lower physical fitness and lead to 'loss of independence, inability to work, reduced well-being and mental health problems'.
It's important to note that these symptoms may overlap with other conditions. If you experience any persistent joint symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Bottomline
There is currently no cure for most types of arthritis. However, various treatment options can help manage the symptoms, reduce inflammation, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve the quality of life for individuals with arthritis.
