Arthritis not exclusive to older people, covers over 100 conditions: Doctors

Srinagar, Oct 12: Calling for greater awareness, early diagnosis and preventive healthcare, doctors on Monday urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk of arthritis and prevent joint-related problems from affecting their quality of life.
On World Arthritis Day, healthcare professionals said arthritis remains a major cause of joint pain, swelling, stiffness and restricted mobility, affecting people across different age groups. They said that timely medical consultation, regular physical activity and weight management can play an important role in protecting joint health.
Doctors said arthritis is not a single disease but a broad term covering more than 100 conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are among the most common forms, although their causes, progression and treatment approaches differ.
Dr Mukhtar, an orthopaedician at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) said that arthritis can gradually interfere with routine activities, including walking, climbing stairs and performing household chores.
“Many people tend to ignore joint pain and stiffness, particularly during the initial stages, assuming that these symptoms are a normal part of ageing. However, persistent pain, swelling or difficulty moving a joint should not be overlooked, as early assessment can help identify the underlying condition and prevent complications,” he said.
He said several factors, including increasing age, genetic predisposition, previous joint injuries, obesity, infections and abnormalities in the immune system, may contribute to the development of different types of arthritis.
Explaining the role of obesity, Dr Mukhtar said excessive body weight places additional pressure on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees, hips and spine, potentially accelerating the breakdown of cartilage and worsening existing symptoms.
“Maintaining an appropriate body weight is one of the important measures for reducing stress on the joints. Even gradual weight reduction in people who are overweight can help improve mobility and ease the burden on affected joints,” he said.
He added that smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are also important concerns. “Smoking is associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, while physical inactivity can weaken the muscles that support the joints and contribute to stiffness and reduced mobility,” he said.
Dr Aadil, a medical officer at DHSK posted in South Kashmir, said awareness about early warning signs needs to improve, as many patients seek medical attention only after their symptoms begin to interfere significantly with daily life.
He said symptoms such as recurring joint pain, swelling, warmth around a joint, morning stiffness and difficulty performing routine movements warrant medical evaluation, particularly when they persist or progressively worsen.
“People should not dismiss prolonged joint stiffness or swelling as ordinary body pain. Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, can affect people even at a relatively young age. If symptoms are recognised early and the patient receives appropriate treatment, it may be possible to control inflammation, preserve joint function and reduce the likelihood of long-term disability,” Dr Aadil said.
He added that arthritis should not be viewed exclusively as a problem of older people, noting that some forms can develop among younger adults and, in certain cases, children.
“Age alone should not determine whether someone seeks medical advice. A young person experiencing persistent joint swelling, pain or prolonged morning stiffness also needs proper assessment. Self-medication and repeatedly taking painkillers without identifying the cause can delay diagnosis and may expose patients to avoidable side effects,” he said.
Dr Aadil said preventive measures should include regular physical activity suited to an individual’s age and health, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco use. He recommended low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and cycling.
Doctors also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as the two conditions require different approaches to treatment.
Osteoarthritis generally develops when the protective cartilage in a joint gradually deteriorates, often leading to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, in contrast, is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints and may cause swelling, prolonged stiffness and progressive joint damage if left untreated.
The experts stressed that there is no single preventive measure that can eliminate the risk of every type of arthritis. However, healthy lifestyle choices and timely medical care can help reduce certain risk factors and improve the management of symptoms.
“Arthritis does not necessarily mean that a person must give up an active life. With the right diagnosis, appropriate treatment, physical activity and regular follow-up, many patients can continue their daily routines and maintain a good quality of life. The priority should be awareness, early intervention and consistent management rather than waiting for the condition to become severe,” the doctors said. (KNO)