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Many people assume arthritis is something that only affects the elderly. But in recent years, more and more young adults — even those in their 20s and 30s — are being diagnosed with this condition. If knee cartilage damage isn’t treated promptly and progresses into arthritis, it can seriously impact daily life, especially when individuals are in the prime of their careers and social lives. Left untreated, it can also lead to early-onset osteoarthritis later in life.
In the UK, over 15,000 children and adolescents were diagnosed with arthritis in 2018, according to the National Health Service (NHS). In Vietnam, this trend is also rising, with domestic data showing that around 30% of people over age 35 already experience joint degeneration — a number that’s steadily increasing.
Common Signs of Arthritis in Younger Adults
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Swelling, numbness, or burning pain in the knee
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Fluid buildup in the joint due to cartilage wear, causing stiffness and discomfort
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Temporary relief that may mislead patients into thinking it’s resolved, only to return repeatedly
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In early stages, arthritis may not limit mobility — but as it worsens, even simple activities like walking can cause prolonged discomfort
Why Are More Young People Getting Arthritis?
Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones in your joints. It doesn’t have nerves, so early damage might go unnoticed. But once it wears down — often due to overuse or injury — inflammation can set in. Eventually, bone grinds against bone, resulting in pain and reduced mobility.
Though osteoarthritis is more common with aging, younger people can develop it too, often due to:
1. Injuries or Repetitive Joint Stress
Playing sports like football, basketball, or skiing — or working in physically demanding jobs such as manual labor or modeling — can cause repeated impact on the joints, wearing down the cartilage over time.
2. Excess Weight
Obesity is increasingly common among young adults, driven by high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles. Being overweight places up to four times more pressure on knee joints, accelerating cartilage damage and increasing the risk of inflammation and joint degeneration.
Treatment Options for Arthritis in Young People
Non-Surgical Interventions
Early-stage arthritis can often be managed with joint injections or manual therapies.
Conservative Therapies
A combination of medication, physical therapy, shockwave treatment, and rehabilitation exercises can significantly relieve pain and improve joint mobility.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly but moderately, and adopting a balanced daily routine are key to slowing the progression of joint issues.
Early Detection Matters
Once the cartilage is gone, surrounding bones, ligaments, and soft tissues can also become damaged. That’s why early diagnosis and intervention are critical to preserving long-term joint health.
Tips to Prevent Arthritis Early On
You don’t need to wait until symptoms appear. Here are a few simple ways to protect your joints:
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Keep your weight in check and pay attention to proper posture to avoid unnecessary joint stress
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Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo it — moderation is key
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Incorporate gentle movements into your routine:
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While standing: tense and relax your thighs for 3 seconds
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While sitting: hold a book between your knees for 10 seconds
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While lying down: lift each leg alternately to strengthen thigh muscles
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These small daily habits can go a long way in keeping your joints healthy.
Expert Insights from H PLUS
According to Dr. Lee Yongjun, Orthopedic Specialist at H PLUS Yangji Hospital (Korea):
“Knee arthritis in people aged 20 to 40 can be triggered by many factors — trauma, excess weight, improper posture, sports injuries, overtraining, or environmental influences. What’s especially concerning is that once cartilage is damaged, it can’t regenerate.
Arthritis at a young age doesn’t just affect your physical health; it can also take a toll on your emotional well-being and daily life. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your joints early on.”
If you’re experiencing joint pain or want to be proactive about your joint health, the team at H PLUS International Medical Center is here to help — with expert guidance, personalized care plans, and cutting-edge treatments.
📞 Book a consultation today via our hotline: +84 24-7306-9889
H PLUS – Protecting your movement, comfort, and quality of life at every age.