Arthritis is not a single disease but a collective term for over 200 conditions that affect joints, muscles and connective tissues.
| Photo Credit: Representational Photo
As the world marked World Arthritis Day on Sunday, doctors across Hyderabad drew attention to the growing number of young Indians being diagnosed with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Observed annually on October 12, the day aims to raise awareness about arthritis, a group of disorders that cause inflammation, pain, stiffness, and deformity in the joints.
Arthritis is not a single disease but a collective term for over 200 conditions that affect joints, muscles and connective tissues. “Many patients ignore early symptoms like stiffness, swelling or pain, assuming they are age-related issues. This delay can lead to severe complications that may later require surgery,” said Ajay Kumar Paruchuri, Senior Consultant (Orthopaedics), Care Hospitals.
Osteoarthritis remains the most common form, particularly among older adults, frequently affecting the knees, hips and spine. For mild to moderate cases, non-surgical management through physiotherapy, lifestyle modification, joint supports and intra-articular injections helps preserve function and reduce pain, he added.
At the same time, rheumatologists are witnessing a rise in autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
“A growing number of young Indians are developing autoimmune diseases that can cripple joints and disrupt careers. Many patients come to us after months or even years of symptoms. By then, joint damage and organ involvement have already set in. Simple blood tests and clinical evaluation can identify these diseases early, and if treatment begins within the first few months, we can completely prevent deformities and maintain full function,” said Ramineni Naga Tejaswini, Consultant Rheumatologist, Apollo Hospitals.
Published – October 12, 2025 07:09 pm IST
