Alarming Rise In Cases of Osteoarthritis Among Youngsters; Here's How To Get Treated Early

While the typical onset of osteoarthritis – the most common type of arthritis is in the late 40s to mid-50s, there has been an alarming rise in several cases among younger people, especially among athletes and those who are obese or overweight.

According to experts, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes extreme pain, swelling, and stiffness - affecting a person’s ability to move freely. While the condition affects your entire joint, including the tissues around it - it is most common in the knees, hips, spine, and hands.

Experts say the rise of this condition among the younger generation signals a shift in how this joint disease is perceived. "Once considered a condition of the elderly, osteoarthritis is now posing a significant health burden on younger populations, reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape and prompting urgent innovations in treatment and prevention,” Dr. Aravind Badiger Technical Director BDR Pharmaceuticals, told Times Now.

According to Dr. Badiger, multiple factors like lifestyle changes, sedentary habits, obesity, sports-related injuries, and even genetic predisposition can be behind the surge in OA cases among the young. “High-impact physical activities, often undertaken without proper conditioning, can accelerate joint deterioration. Additionally, metabolic disorders and inflammatory conditions are increasingly being linked to early-onset OA, further complicating its diagnosis and management.

“This shift demands a reevaluation of treatment protocols that have traditionally focused on elderly patients, emphasizing the need for targeted therapies that address the unique challenges faced by younger individuals,” he said.

From a pharmaceutical perspective, the management of osteoarthritis in young people requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond symptom control. “While NSAIDs and analgesics remain the first line of treatment for pain relief, their long-term use raises concerns about gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal complications, particularly in younger patients who may require extended treatment durations,” said Dr. Badiger.

“This necessitates the development of safer, more sustainable pharmacological interventions that can provide relief without compromising long-term health,” he added.

Using breakthroughs in cell therapy, bioengineering, and gene therapy, regenerative medicine aims to stimulate and support the body's natural healing response. Regenerative medicine is rapidly gaining traction as a promising frontier in OA treatment. “Biologic therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections, are being explored for their potential to promote cartilage repair and slow disease progression,” said Dr. Badiger.

Additionally, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs are an area of active research, aiming to alter the underlying disease process rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Moreover, Dr. Badiger said the role of nutraceuticals like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen peptides, is being extensively studied to enhance joint health and potentially delay OA progression. “These supplements, often combined with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, are being incorporated into comprehensive treatment plans. The growing consumer demand for evidence-based nutraceuticals underscores the need for rigorous clinical trials and regulatory frameworks to ensure their efficacy and safety,” he said.

Early diagnosis through advanced imaging techniques and biomarkers could enable timely intervention, preventing irreversible joint damage. Personalized medicine, driven by genetic profiling and molecular diagnostics, may further refine treatment approaches, offering tailored solutions that maximize efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.

“The challenge of osteoarthritis in young people extends beyond clinical management—it has social and economic implications as well. Chronic joint pain and reduced mobility can significantly impact productivity, mental well-being, and overall quality of life,” said Dr. Badiger.

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