World Arthritis Day 2025: Arthritis, which was once thought to be a disease of elderly people, is now surprisingly hitting India’s younger generation, especially those in their 40s.
From joint stiffness and chronic back pain to lesser mobility, increasing numbers of middle-aged people are complaining of symptoms hitherto associated mainly with older citizens. This surprising growth is attributed to a mix of sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, and increasing levels of stress. The trend emphasises how contemporary lifestyles and working styles are quietly destroying joint health much sooner than anticipated.
India is increasingly worried as it notices this trend across urban as well as semi-urban regions. With extended working hours, extensive screen time, and declining physical exertion, joint inflammation and degeneration are becoming the new normal even among individuals at their prime income and family-raising years. This increasing incidence of arthritis among the 40s generation is more than a health problem; it’s an awakening call towards preventive health consciousness, early detection, and embracing lifestyle modifications to help preserve mobility and quality of life. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Zubin Mehta, Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, explains why arthritis is seeing a surge in younger adults, especially in 40s in today’s India.
Why Is There A Rise In Arthritis In India?
There are several reasons behind this rise in early arthritis cases:
Sedentary lifestyle: Long hours of sitting at work and lack of exercise weaken muscles that support the joints.
Poor posture: Working on laptops or phones for extended hours strains the spine and knees.
Unhealthy eating habits: Increased consumption of fast food and sugary drinks leads to weight gain, putting pressure on joints.
Obesity: Excess body weight accelerates wear and tear of the knees and hips.
Genetic predisposition: A history of arthritis in your family makes it more likely that to will develop the condition at a younger age.
Delayed medical attention: Disregarding preliminary symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, or trouble going up stairs lets the disease get out of hand.
Arthritis In 40s Generation (Image Credits: Canva)
So, What Should People Do?
The first step should be to begin taking care of your joint well-being. Exercise, a healthy diet and a healthy body weight are important to healthy joints. Dr. Zubin Mehta states, “Noticing early symptoms and consulting a doctor at the first sign of discomfort can make a significant difference in slowing the progression of arthritis.”
Early treatment through medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage pain effectively. However, if the joints are already severely damaged at the time of diagnosis, pain management alone may not be sufficient. : Dr. Zubin Mehta says, “In such cases, a doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. Procrastination for surgery in spite of medical opinion can lead to further complications.”
Modern surgical techniques, such as robotic arm-assisted surgeries, provide younger patients with precise, minimally invasive procedures and faster recovery times. These advanced surgeries enable patients to regain mobility and return to active, pain-free lives sooner.
A Wake-Up Call For The 40s Generation
Arthritis in the 40s is not just a health issue but also a reminder that lifestyle choices matter. Small, consistent changes in daily routine combined with timely medical intervention can help preserve joint health for years to come. With advanced treatment options available, there is no reason for arthritis to limit the quality of life in middle age.