New Delhi: Although joint discomfort is more frequent in elderly folks, it may also affect young people. Early-onset arthritis can appear in a variety of ways. If you are having joint discomfort, don’t ignore it, regardless of your age. Arthritis in young people can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, autoimmune diseases, infections, and accidents. Some varieties of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, are inherited, rendering young individuals more vulnerable if they have a family history. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and psoriasis can cause arthritis in young people when the immune system erroneously assaults healthy joint structures.
Early onset of arthritis
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Ameya Pathak, Consultant – Rheumatology, Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune, spoke about the early onset of arthritis.
Bacterial or viral infections can cause reactive arthritis in young people who have recently caught these diseases. Even if you are young, joint injuries or trauma might raise your chance of developing post-traumatic arthritis. Some early warning symptoms of arthritis that you should not overlook include joint pain, lower back pain, fatigue, difficulty walking, difficulty lifting your arms, joints feeling “off,” and stiffness in the morning and after sitting. Additionally, keep an eye out for grating noises from joints, pain while sitting or from a past injury, and muscle swelling.
If you have any or all of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor right away because early intervention leads to better outcomes. Apart from these typical symptoms, be watchful for a rash on the face – usually photosensitive which occurs in SLE or purpura-like lesions. Which is commonly seen in HSP a type of vasculitis post diarrhoea. In very young children be watchful if the child has stopped crawling because of joint pains. Children may stop participating in sports with peers because of pain. Also, easy fatigue, recurrent fever, and hair loss are other important features to look for.
Effective management of arthritis
Arthritis treatment in young people seeks to alleviate pain, enhance function, and avoid joint deterioration. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics are the mainstay of arthritis treatment, helping to reduce pain, inflammation, and disease progression.
Physical therapy can help improve joint function and alleviate discomfort. Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing arthritis. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help reduce inflammation, maintain joint flexibility, and prevent further damage. Regular movement strengthens muscles around joints, while a nutrient-rich diet supports bone and cartilage health. Early lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve arthritis symptoms and overall quality of life. In extreme situations, surgical procedures such as joint replacement may be required.
Arthritis in young people is a complicated disorder with several causes and problems. Early diagnosis, good therapy, and strong support networks can help young individuals manage their illness efficiently and live happy lives despite the presence of arthritis. The parents should consult a paediatric Rheumatologist for the correct diagnosis of joint pains and autoimmune conditions. Latest advances in the field of rheumatology with medicinal therapies and if needed orthopaedic care continue to improve outcomes for people with early-onset arthritis, providing hope for better disease management and joint function.
Arthritis need not be a concern in only the elderly. Here’s what you need to know about its occurrence in young people. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
