Is It Possible to Get Arthritis in Your 20s?
Although arthritis is mostly associated with elderly people, learn whether it's possible to get arthritis in your 20s too.
Updated January 11, 2023.
Signifying ‘joint inflammation,’ arthritis is a blanket term for multiple diseases that affect joints rather than a single condition. Although there are more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common ones are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which can cause spinal muscle spasms and even lead to immobility. Although these are mostly associated with elderly people, it's possible to get arthritis in your 20s as well.
In young people, the symptoms are the same, but arthritis will have a different impact. As the pain, swelling, and inflammation reduce the range of motion, arthritis affects school, sports, and social life for young adults. What's more, focusing on pain management can affect their self-esteem, grades, and overall quality of life.
However, if diagnosed at the earliest and followed by correct treatment, it's possible to manage arthritis and improve your quality of life.
» How to recognize arthritis? See the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis
Pain Management
Although there's no cure for arthritis, even young people can improve their quality of life and relieve symptoms with these lifestyle changes:
- Doing low-impact exercises – Regularly doing exercises like yoga can help you lose weight and reduce the stress on your joints, as well as strengthen the muscles around the joints.
- Consulting a physiotherapist – A professional will be able to help you with your posture and choice of physical activity.
- Using hot and cold compresses – This will help relieve swelling and pain.
- Adhering to a healthy and balanced diet – The right diet including fatty fish, nuts, and green leafy vegetables can provide the nutrients crucial for joint healing and stimulate joint lubrication. What's more, taking supplements with vitamins A, D, E, C, and K can reduce inflammation.
- Avoiding inflammatory foods – Stay away from sugar, vegetable oil, fatty foods, and refined carbs.
- Stress management – Doing meditation, deep breathing, or even listening to soothing music can help prevent stress-related arthritis flare-ups.
- Taking pain relievers – Pain medication and even muscle relaxers can help control pain. Consult your doctor regarding your pain medication and supplements.
» Interested in other ways to treat arthritis? Learn about systemic enzyme therapy for arthritis
Manage Arthritis Even in Your 20s With the Right Help
Although commonly associated with older people, arthritis affects people of all ages, including those in their 20s. The most important step is to speak to your doctor about your symptoms and get them diagnosed.
After confirming the diagnosis, the right combination of treatment including supplements like Heal-n-Soothe and lifestyle changes can improve the quality of life of young people living with arthritis.
» Reduce the symptoms of arthritis by avoiding the wrong foods