Whenever we talk about things like back pain, knee pain, or conditions such as “Arthritis” we probably imagine an older individual and not someone in their 20’s or 30’s. Yet, did you know that you can develop early-onset joint conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis before you reach the age of 50?
Early Onset
We have discussed in previous articles (which you can read here) the possible causes of joint degeneration as you age. Still, without the factor of aging or time, it makes one wonder how someone develops joint pain or even a serious joint condition as early as their 20s.
Contrary to popular belief, conditions such as arthritis can develop in childhood; collectively called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) refers to joint conditions affecting children below 16 (in some sources 18) years of age. Statistics on the prevalence of this condition vary among researchers but estimates believe it affects about 305 per 100,000 children in the United States alone (based on the CDC). Due to the limited amount of research done on the topic, it is also unknown what exactly causes it as cases connect to multiple different elements such as environmental factors, pre-existing conditions, or illness just to name a few.
Sadly JIA is a chronic condition with symptoms varying amongst affected individuals. In some cases, symptoms may suddenly disappear and never return without any permanent damage to the individual. However, in other cases, the symptoms do affect the individual into their teens and adulthood.
Injury and Post Traumatic Joint Arthritis
While JIA contributes to joint conditions in young adulthood, a more common cause is injury. A journal published in 2016 states that “ Post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) causes about 12% of all osteoarthritis cases…”.
Post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) is a type of Osteoarthritis that develops in your joints after experiencing some sort of injury or trauma. In most cases, symptoms of PTA go away after 2-3 months but chronic PTA can occur, being diagnosed after 6 months of persistent symptoms. While PTA can develop at any age, it is more common among young adults (ages 18-26).
Other Factors
In the previous sections, we tackled the most common causes of joint conditions in young adults. While research on the topic of early-onset joint conditions is still sparse at this time, professionals have agreed that there are a number of factors that contribute to the development of symptoms that could turn into more serious conditions.
- Athletics – While being involved in athletics does not ensure that you will develop joint conditions; it does increase the risk of it. As mentioned earlier, the current research on this topic is sparse but published research agrees that individuals who engage in sports are more likely to develop joint-related conditions than non-athletes.
- Nutritional/ Vitamin Deficiencies – It goes without saying that diet plays an important role in your body’s ability to absorb nutrients so it shouldn’t be surprising that it affects your joints too. Many young adults often live busy lives and finding the time to choose healthier options is difficult. In fact, studies suggest that a reliance on over-processed food and fast food develops, leading to deficiencies that contribute to poor joint health.
- Poor Posture – Advancements in technology have made drastic changes in modern lifestyles and habits. The use of personal computers and smartphones takes a toll on posture, particularly the neck and back which in turn put excess pressure on the joints.
Preventative Measures
While a lot of factors contribute to the early onset of a serious joint condition, there are also measures an individual can take to prevent symptoms from developing or to alleviate already existing symptoms.
- Listen to your body – As mentioned earlier, being involved in athletics does increase the risk of joint-related injuries and PTA. Engaging in sports and exercise is not bad in moderation. Allowing your body to rest after a competition or intense training session lowers the risk of stress and injury to your joints. This is especially important in the event of pain.
- Watch what you eat – Just like with exercise and athletics, eating fast food or processed food is not necessarily a bad thing in moderation. Taking the time to look for healthier alternatives or including options that help strengthen the joints and alleviate symptoms of joint pain could stunt the development of further symptoms.
- Get Active – Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle but it can be overwhelming not knowing where to start. Not everyone is comfortable going to a gym or does not have time to do so, which is completely understandable. A key to getting active is by starting small such as taking short walks as compared to going for a run. Incorporating small stretches throughout the day also helps joints get more flexible.
If you would like to know more about maintaining your hip health, read our articles “Understanding The Hip Joint” or “Joint Degeneration and Aging” or learn more from our blog here.
Disclaimer
GulfPhysio.com and all of its content are for informational purposes only. All information is believed to be accurate at the time of posting and should NOT be construed as professional medical advice. Please seek a medical professional in the event of pain or injury.
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