National Bone And Joint Day: Lifestyle-Driven Joint Disorders Rising Among The Young
Today, it is estimated that 1 in every 5 Indians suffers from a musculoskeletal disorder, including osteoarthritis, slipped discs, frozen shoulder, ligament tears, and more
Until a couple of decades ago, bone and joint problems were largely associated with older adults in India. However, in recent years, I have observed a worrying trend in my outpatient practice more and more patients in their 30s and 40s are coming in with complaints that were once reserved for senior citizens. Conditions such as back pain, cartilage degeneration, and even early stages of osteoarthritis are now affecting people much earlier than expected.
Dr. Amyn Rajani, a Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopy, joint replacement, and sports injuries, shares everything you need to know:
Many factors are driving this surge, especially in urban areas. These include prolonged sitting due to desk jobs, lack of physical activity, poor core strength, excessive screen time, and hours spent in front of the television. Post-COVID, the trend of working from home while convenient has led to poor postural habits in daily life. Moreover, improper exercise practices such as running on hard surfaces, lifting weights without expert guidance, or engaging in high-impact activities without proper warm-ups and conditioning have contributed to a spike in joint injuries.
Even regular gym-goers are not immune. I have treated many cases of shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries that arise from over-enthusiastic or incorrect workouts.
Today, it is estimated that 1 in every 5 Indians suffers from a musculoskeletal disorder, including osteoarthritis, slipped discs, frozen shoulder, ligament tears, and more. Among these, osteoarthritis particularly of the knee is the most widespread among urban adults over 45 years of age. Women, especially post-menopause, are more susceptible to joint disorders due to hormonal changes impacting bone and joint health.
The most concerning trend, however, is the increasing need for advanced orthopaedic care in younger individuals. Many patients as young as 35 are now undergoing joint preservation procedures such as arthroscopy, PRP therapy, and even stem cell injections to delay joint degeneration.
In some cases, joint replacements are being considered for patients well under 50 something that was unheard of in the previous generation. Certain hip conditions, such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), where the bones of the hip joint do not fit together properly, are being diagnosed much more frequently. These issues among young adults are not related to aging but are largely caused by poor lifestyle choices and faulty biomechanics.
The good news is that most of these conditions are preventable. A few lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in preserving joint health. I always advise my patients to incorporate at least 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity into their daily routine be it walking, swimming, yoga, or low-impact strength training.
Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing correct posture, and ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D are equally important. For those involved in sports or gym workouts, it is essential to seek expert guidance from a coach, warm up properly, and learn injury prevention techniques. Finally, one must not ignore persistent pain or delay seeking expert help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage.
Our joints are not just an age-related concern they are a lifelong responsibility, one that increasingly demands our attention much earlier in life than we ever imagined.
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First Published:
August 04, 2025, 13:46 IST
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