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Joint pain has become a significant public health concern, particularly among middle-aged and older adults, as it greatly impacts their quality of life. According to a study by The Lancet, approximately 1 billion people are expected to be living with osteoarthritis by 2050, with 15% of individuals aged 30 and over already experiencing the condition.1 While osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause chronic joint pain, resulting in inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Although the signs of joint pain are often associated with ageing, an increasing number of people in their 30s are now experiencing persistent and severe discomfort, signalling potential underlying issues. Recognising the early signs of arthritis and seeking timely medical attention can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent long-term joint damage. There are simple joint pain remedies that can help, too.
In this blog, we’ll explore how ageing affects the joints, the early warning signs of arthritis, and ways to protect your joint health.
Synopsis
How Does Ageing Affect the Joints?
With age, the body undergoes a natural ageing process, leading to various age-related issues. One of the most common concerns is joint pain, which occurs due to repetitive movements and daily wear and tear. The cartilage cushion that surrounds the joints, allowing their smooth movement, does not regenerate and gradually wears down over time.
Additionally, in today’s fast-paced world, many people in their 30s experience joint pain due to busy schedules, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of physical activity. This lack of movement places extra stress on the joints, particularly in the lower back, knees, and other weight-bearing areas, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and exercising difficult. Over time, this ageing process combined with excessive stress can deteriorate the joints, eventually leading to osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis.
However, never ignore even mild joint pain, assuming you are too young to develop arthritis. If you experience any signs of joint pain or pain in your lower back, consult an orthopaedic specialist promptly to prevent further joint damage and maintain long-term mobility.
What Are the Early Signs of Arthritis?
Here are some early-onset arthritis signs you shouldn’t ignore:
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Joint pain: A worsening joint pain or one that is triggered by activity, after it or at the end of a busy day, often indicates a sign of arthritis.
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Joint swelling or tenderness: With time, the joints may get swollen and tender and start hurting when you press them. There can be many joint swelling, causes and identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.
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Joint soreness: A stiffness in joints, especially after prolonged sitting, after activity, or in the morning after you wake up, is a sign of rheumatoid arthritis pain.
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SI joint pain: A pain in your lower back, also known as sacroiliitis or sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, is a common symptom of arthritis in young adults.
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Grating sound or sensation in joints: This indicates that your joint cartilage has worn down and needs attention.
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Pain in a joint that was previously injured
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Symmetrical joint pain: When the same joint on both sides pain together, this could be rheumatoid arthritis pain.
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Pain or stiffness in hands and feet: This could be a sign of inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis, as they develop first in small joints.
Moreover, fatigue, difficulty walking or lifting your arms, and muscle swelling are warning signs of arthritis that should not be overlooked. It is important to seek an evaluation by a doctor at the earliest.
How to Protect Your Joint Health?
Prevention is better than a cure, so prioritise protecting your joints early. The sooner you start caring for your joint health, the greater the benefits you will experience as you age. Here are some ways:
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Regular low-impact physical activity and cardiovascular exercises are a must, as they keep joints moving
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Try maintaining a healthy weight, as excess body weight can put unbearable pressure on joints, especially the knees
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Indulge in yoga or stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of joints
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Focus more on strengthening your core and the muscles above or below major joints by doing low-weight strength training exercises
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying physically fit and staying away from bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.
Conclusion
Arthritis can occur at any age. So if you are experiencing joint pain or other early signs of arthritis in your 30s, don’t ignore it. Seek immediate help from an orthopaedic specialist at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment. Some simple joint pain remedies can provide temporary relief till you get professional help. Taking proactive steps today can help you stay active and pain-free in the future.
FAQ's
Many types of arthritis can be seen in younger people. These include:
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Osteoarthritis
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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
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Ankylosing spondylitis
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Psoriatic arthritis
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Gout
There can be many causes for joint pain. The most common are joint injuries, infections, and arthritis. Being overweight, doing strenuous jobs that involve a lot of bending or squatting, smoking, having a family history, and genes such as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene class II put you at a higher risk of developing arthritis and joint pain at a young age.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone and joint health, helping to maintain stronger bones and joints. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to increased joint pain, especially in individuals with arthritis. Low levels of vitamin D can also contribute to bone and muscle issues and increase inflammation, further worsening joint discomfort.
Mild to moderate joint pain can be alleviated at home by using some simple joint pain remedies.
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Apply ice or an ice pack to the painful joints for about 15 minutes, 2-3 times a day
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Give proper rest to the aching joint and avoid any kind of activity that may aggravate the pain
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If needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation
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In case of muscle spasms, use a heating pad or a hot shower bath to alleviate the pain
You can schedule an appointment with an orthopaedician at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/bhubaneswar/specialities/orthopaedics/
Contact no: 0674 666 6600
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