On the occasion of the National Bone and Joint Day which was held on Monday, has highlighted the issue of a rise in number of young Indians who are being diagnosed with arthritis and other knee and joint related problems. According to health experts, Arthritis or the damage that sets up in our body joints is considered a problem associated with ageing.  Loss of cartilage, depleting calcium, wear and tear of the ligaments, or excessive weight has contributed to the onset of arthritis amongst the youngsters. Osteoarthritis is also a rising in the younger generation which is indicating a poor and unhealthy lifestyle, dietary habits, lack of calcium and obesity which has become a common problem these days.

Rajeev.K. Sharma, senior consultant and orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon at Apollo Hospital says that there is a significant rise in the number of younger patients with osteoarthritis, and highlighted on the need to create awareness among young people to adopt  a healthy lifestyle. Obesity, lack of exercise, injury in bones or muscles, hereditary defects in alignment of legs, faulty lifestyle and absence of physical activity lead to early degeneration of muscles and cartilage around the joints, he added.
According to experts, though the number of young patients with arthritis might be barely 10 percent, it is important to encourage youngsters to walk, cycle and perform regular exercise.