When Movement Hurts, Listen to Your Joints!

Have you ever struggled to open a jar, climb stairs, or get out of bed because your joints were stiff or painful? That might not just be age, it could be arthritis, a condition that affects millions worldwide, including young adults. One in four adults in the world suffer from arthritis—and many of them are in their 30s or even younger.

The Hard-Hitting Facts

Over 350 million people globally suffer from arthritis.

In India alone, more than 180 million people have arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form, especially in women over 50.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over 14 million people worldwide and can strike as early as age 20.

So, What Exactly Is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common include:

Osteoarthritis (OA): Wear-and-tear damage to the joints, often due to aging or injury.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints.

Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Juvenile Arthritis are other common forms.

What Are the Symptoms?

Arthritis symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Common signs include:

Joint pain or tenderness

Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes

Swelling in or around the joints

Reduced range of motion

Warmth or redness over a joint

Fatigue, especially in autoimmune types like RA

These symptoms can occur intermittently or may gradually worsen over time.

What Causes Arthritis?

Different types of arthritis have different causes:

Osteoarthritis: Aging, joint overuse, injuries, obesity

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune response, genetics

Gout: Build-up of uric acid crystals

Infections: Viral or bacterial infections in the joints

Family history: Increases your risk of certain types of arthritis

Common Triggers That Can Worsen Arthritis

Overuse of joints (repetitive motion or intense physical activity)

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