Why Are Young Adults Getting Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis is not only common amongst older people anymore, but also seen in younger people. Many younger adults are suffering from knee pain and early joint degeneration before the age of 45. This increase is primarily due to busy lifestyles, sports injuries, long work hours, obesity, and genetic predisposition. All of these habits create added stress on the knee that increases cartilage absorption over time. The good news is that early diagnosis of bone and joint issues along with current treatment options can restore normal movement. Dr Bharani Kumar, Knee and Shoulder Specialist at Kauvery Hospital shares this information.
What Are Young Arthritic Knees?
Young Arthritic Knees, or Y.A.K., is arthritis of the knees that begins prior to age 45. In young knees with arthritis, the smooth protective cartilage inside the knee degrades too early. There are multiple reasons this can happen: past injuries, over-use, excess body weight or joint alignment. When the cartilage has become thin or rough, the bone is not supported in its natural state and can cause discomfort or pain. Knee arthritis in young people is different from knee arthritis as we age. It becomes more aggressive and can disrupt an active life.
Causes of Knee Arthritis in Young Adults
There are several reasons that can lead to early knee arthritis in young adults, and the primary causes include injury, repetitive stress, wrong alignment, inflammation, obesity, and genetics.
1.Previous Knee Injuries (Post-Traumatic Arthritis)
Past knee injuries are the primary reason for early arthritis development. The joint remains at risk of damage after ACL tears, meniscus injuries and fractures heal. Sports activities and accidental events lead to these injuries among young people. The knee might appear normal for many years but the injured area will gradually deteriorate. The injury creates a risk for arthritis development even after ten to fifteen years. Taking early care or rehabilitation may prevent this condition from occuring.
2.Repetitive Stress & Overuse
Running on hard surfaces, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises cause stress on the knee. They subject the cartilage to continuous loading and it may not be able to repel this process over time. These activities put repeated pressure on the cartilage and, joint will become rough, which can cause pain. This is often seen in the gym enthusiasts, or athletes, who push their limits without enough rest.
3.Knee Misalignment (Varus/Valgus)
Bow legs (the legs to curve outward) and knock knees (the legs curve inward) change joint load distribution. One side of the knee takes more pressure than the other. This causes faster cartilage wear. Young people do not notice alignment problems until they experience pain. Early alignment correction slows down arthritis.
4.Inflammatory Conditions
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can start during young adulthood between ages 20 to 30. The inner lining of joints suffers damage from inflammation which causes early cartilage loss. The conditions require immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent harm.
5.Obesity & Sedentary Lifestyle
Extra body weight puts additional pressure on the knee joints. The muscles which support joints become weaker when people do not move their bodies enough. Both lead to premature joint deterioration and cause pain. The joints of young adults will experience less stress when they lose even a small amount of weight.
6.Genetic & Anatomical Factors
Certain individuals may have shallow grooves in their knees (The space where the kneecap normally moves is not deep enough) or less durable cartilage. Family history also plays a role. All of these will increase the risk for early arthritis, even if there hasn’t been a significant injury.
Symptoms of Young Arthritic Knees
The initial symptoms are mild but they get worse when performing physical activities. People may experience symptoms such as knee pain and morning stiffness and a grinding sensation during movement. Some people notice swelling after walking or climbing stairs. Squatting and running may become difficult. The knee may feel unstable or buckle during sudden turns. The meniscus damage leads to locking of the knee joint.
How Knee Arthritis Is Diagnosed in Young Adults
1.Clinical Examination
The doctor evaluates knee function through movement assessment, swelling observation and stability testing.
2.X-rays
X-rays reveal the space between joints, bone alignment and early signs of arthritis in the body.
3.MRI Scan
MRI technology identifies cartilage damage, ligament injuries together with early arthritis symptoms that remain hidden during X-ray examinations.
4.Blood Tests
Blood tests help to detect autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions which include rheumatoid arthritis.
Best Non- Surgical Treatments for Young Arthritic Knees
Many young adults will benefit from non-surgical treatment. These treatment options will help reduce pain and protect the joint against further degeneration.
1.Physiotherapy & Strength Training
The knee receives support from strengthening exercises which target the quadriceps, VMO muscles (a small part of the thigh muscle on the inner side of your knee) as well as the hips and glutes. Therapy methods improve balance and reduce the stress on their joints. Regular sessions improve daily activities.
2.Activity Modification
High-impact sports activities need to be avoided when pain becomes worse. People should select safer options like cycling or swimming. Stop performing deep squats or lunges when you experience pain from these exercises.
3.Weight Management
A small weight loss reduces the amount of stress on your knees. The treatment approach provides pain relief while it helps preserve long-term joint health.
4.Pain Medication
Short-term use of prescribed pain tablets or gels provides relief during flare-ups.
5.Knee Braces & Orthotics
Braces can help provide additional support for individuals with weak muscles. They may also help if there are alignment problems with the knee such as bow legs or knock knees.
6.Injection Therapies
Daily activities become unbearable because of injections which deliver instant pain relief. Corticosteroids (strong anti-inflammatory medicines) help during sudden flare-ups. The joint receives lubrication through the presence of hyaluronic acid. PRP therapy enables natural healing through its ability to reduce inflammation. The doctor decides the right option after examining the knee.
Advanced Surgical Treatments for Young Arthritic Knees
Surgery is needed when pain continues in spite of a well-executed non-surgical treatment plan. Modern surgical approaches aim to preserve the natural joint.
1. Knee Arthroscopy
Doctors perform a keyhole procedure called arthroscopy. The procedure helps to remove free fragments, smoothing rough cartilage and treat meniscus problems. It reduces mechanical symptoms like locking.
2.Cartilage Preservation & Restoration Procedures
These techniques repair or replace damaged cartilage. The available options for the treatment are Microfracture, autologous cartilage implantation (ACI), and meniscal implants. It is suitable for young patients with small areas of damage.
3.Osteotomy (Alignment Correction Surgery)
The procedure corrects bow legs together with knock knees. The body transfers weight to the healthy section of the knee joint. It is suitable for active younger adults who desire to postpone a joint replacement.
4.Partial Knee Placement (Unicompartmental)
This is used when only a single part of the knee is affected. The procedure provides better recovery, while supporting a more natural knee feeling.
5.Total Knee Replacement (Rare in Young Patients)
This may only be used for severe damage. Modern implants can offer long-lasting support but are considered last only when other options do not help.
Lifestyle Tips to Protect Young Knees & Slow Arthritic Progression
- Strengthen legs three to four times a week.
- Wear proper shoes during walking and workouts.
- Maintain weight control through proper management.
- Avoid deep squats or heavy loads if they increase pain.
- Provide simple warm-up and stretching support for your knee.
- Seek medical advice if pain continues longer than two weeks.
The habits function as protective measures which defend joints against damage while they also slow down arthritis.
When Should You See a Knee Specialist?
You need to seek advice from a knee specialist when the pain continues to persist beyond six weeks. The symptoms of this condition include joint locking, instability, post-exercise swelling and stair-climbing difficulties. Pain from an old injury should also be reviewed.
Dr. Bharani Kumar Dayanandam at Kauvery Hospital is known for knee arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, cartilage surgery, osteotomy, and joint preservation procedures.
Young Knee Arthritis Is Treatable — Early Action Matters
Young knee arthritis can be managed well when detected early. Modern medical treatments exist to restore movement while protecting joint function for extended periods. People should never ignore knee pain or stiffness which starts during their young age. The right diagnosis together with timely treatment allows you to keep moving and prevent future damage.
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