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Knee pain in young adults rising due to two main reasons, says study
While pain in your knees is mostly associated with ageing, now more young people seem to be experiencing this issue. According to a new study conducted by Finland’s University of Oulu, most youngsters with a greater tendency to play high-intensity sports and a higher overall body mass index, most in their early 30s and 40s, are having knee issues, with many even needing surgeries.
Data suggests the world over incidences of knee damage are leading to a spike in inpatient knee replacement operations for those between 45 and 64 years old. A study published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage revealed that early structural changes in the knees are common by age 30 and mostly happen without any symptoms. Researchers point to two significant reasons for that:
Obesity
According to the study, obesity has significantly increased the risk of knee damage in young people, mostly due to increased mechanical stress on the joints and a chronic low-grade inflammation that slowly degrades cartilage.
Many population-based studies have consistently shown a link between obesity and knee osteoarthritis. Data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey recently indicated that obese women had nearly four times the risk of knee arthritis as compared with non-obese women, and for obese men, the risk was nearly five times greater.
High-intensity sports and workouts
In many countries, including India, sports and fitness-freak young people, who regularly indulge in football, wrestling, and basketball, are now suffering from early arthritis.
According to experts, sports-related injuries are leading to damage to joint cartilage and premature osteoarthritis. Activities that involve repetitive high-impact, twisting, cutting, or collision are particularly risky and can cause long-term post-traumatic osteoarthritis as well.
How to prevent arthritis due to sports injuries?’
According to doctors, preventing sports injuries can prevent osteoarthritis to a great extent, especially among young people who are athletes. They can mitigate injury by doing the following:
- Always make sure to do warm-up stretches before exercising.
- Do cool-down stretches after working out
- Make sure to wear protective pads on the knees and elbows.
- Always wear a helmet when playing high-intensity sports.
- Monitor joint health, especially for athletes who are at a greater risk, by regularly consulting with your doctor.
Ways to manage weight more effectively if you are obese
For those who are overweight or obese, it is important to lose and manage their weight for long-term relief. For those adults who are overweight, even a small amount of weight loss – 5 to 10 per cent can help reduce arthritis-related pain and disability. You can:
Exercise
Do low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and yoga that provide a cardio workout without placing excess stress on the joints.
Eat balanced nutrition
Focusing more on a balanced diet, which is packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, helps support weight management and reduces inflammation.
Stress management
Chronic stress impacts weight by promoting poor eating habits and decreasing motivation for exercise and workouts. You can incorporate stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or a quick daily walk.
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