Arthritis: Combat Arthritis: Essential Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle | Prayagraj News

Prayagraj: Arthritis is rapidly expanding its grip, not only among elderly but also increasingly affecting the young, with changing lifestyles being the foremost reason. Long working hours, junk food that is low in fibre and high in calories, increasing weight, and a lack of routine exercise are taking their toll on the youth. On the occasion of World Arthritis Day (Oct 12), TOI spoke to noted orthopaedic surgeons in the city to learn more about this disease.A worrying factor is that despite many people opting for knee replacement, the pain often returns after around a decade.
According to a noted orthopaedic surgeon in the city, Dr KD Tripathi, in recent years, there has been a worrying rise in cases of arthritis. Many patients opt for knee replacement, but more than having the knee replaced, care of transplanted knee is more important. “Get your replaced joint checked by your doctor every year so that the problem can be diagnosed in time,” he said. Reasons for revision include the wearing out of the transplanted knee after a certain period, loosening of the transplanted knee, fractures around the transplanted knee, constant pain or infection in the transplanted knee.
Likewise, the Assistant Professor at the Department of Orthopaedics at MLN Medical College, Dr Naveen Singh, said, “One of the main reasons behind the increase in arthritis cases in younger people is how inactive life has become for many. With so many jobs now being desk-based, and more people working from home or spending long hours on their phones and laptops, it means we’re sitting still for long periods. Often, our posture is poor too. Sitting for a long time without moving puts extra pressure on our joints, especially in the knees, spine, and hips. This all leads to joints wearing out much sooner than they used to,” he added. Talking about obesity and diet, the doctor said that with fast food and processed meals being so common, many young adults are putting on extra weight, which puts extra pressure on joints like the knees and hips. “This extra weight makes it more likely for these joints to break down over time, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis even in people who aren’t that old.”
Similarly, physical activity is crucial for keeping joints healthy. “Constant use of mobile phones, computers, and video games leads to strain on the small joints in fingers, wrists, and shoulders. Over time, these repetitive movements can lead to arthritis, even in younger people, especially in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis,” said Dr Singh. Doctors and health experts are now calling for more awareness about arthritis in young people. They recommend simple lifestyle changes like staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and practising good posture to prevent arthritis. It’s also important to eat a balanced diet, including anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s, which help keep joints healthy.