World Arthritis Day: Recognising Early Symptoms, Healthy Habits Can Help Protect Joints

PUNE : Arthritis is increasingly affecting younger people, making early diagnosis, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices essential for protecting joint health, opined Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon Dr Narendra Vaidya, Founder of Lokmanya Hospitals  on the occasion of World Arthritis Day, observed on October 12.

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness and restricted movement. In healthy joints, a smooth layer of cartilage covers the ends of the bones, allowing them to move against each other with minimal friction. When this cartilage becomes damaged or wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation and difficulty in movement.

There are several types of arthritis, of which osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis are among the most common. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which cartilage gradually wears down over time. However, changing lifestyles, sedentary habits, obesity, inadequate physical activity and unhealthy dietary patterns are contributing to its occurrence at younger ages.

Inflammatory arthritis, on the other hand, includes autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. It can affect people at a much younger age, including adolescents, and may progress rapidly without appropriate treatment. Early medical intervention is therefore crucial to prevent severe joint damage.

Dr Vaidya said that not every instance of body pain or muscle fatigue should be mistaken for arthritis. Joint-related symptoms often include stiffness in the morning, pain while bending the knee completely and difficulty performing movements that require greater joint flexibility. Pain while sitting cross-legged or squatting, can also be an early warning sign of knee joint problems.

“People should not ignore these early symptoms. In the initial stages, when the cartilage is damaged but not completely worn away, appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and preserve joint function,”.

Depending on the type and stage of arthritis, treatment may include exercises, weight management, physiotherapy and medication. In selected early-stage cases, doctors may also consider treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. However, their suitability and effectiveness vary from patient to patient, and they cannot restore cartilage that has been completely lost.

In advanced cases, particularly when the cartilage is severely damaged, surgery may be necessary. Advances in joint replacement now allow surgeons to consider partial knee replacement for suitable patients when the damage is limited to one part of the joint. Robotic-assisted techniques can help improve surgical precision and implant positioning in appropriate cases.

Four important measures for maintaining joint health include a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and correct posture. These habits can help reduce avoidable strain on the joints and support mobility as people age.

Genetics is another important factor, particularly in inflammatory arthritis, and cannot be controlled. However, adopting healthy habits and seeking timely medical advice can help people manage their risk factors and protect their joint health.

“Joint care should begin before pain becomes a regular part of daily life. From the age of 35–40 onwards, people should pay greater attention to their bone and joint health, especially if they have a family history of arthritis. Early recognition, appropriate treatment and a healthy lifestyle can make a significant difference to long-term mobility and quality of life,” Dr Vaidya concludes.