Lifestyle-driven joint disorders rising among the young

Nearly 1 in 5 Indians suffers from some form of musculoskeletal disorders

MUMBAI, August 01, 2025: Over the last 15 years, there has been a troubling rise of musculoskeletal disorders in younger age groups in India, especially among people in ‘30s and ‘40s, who are increasingly suffering from conditions like mechanical back pain, early cartilage wear, and knee problems such as ACL or meniscus injuries. This trend is particularly strong in urban India due to poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, desk-bound jobs, and poor nutrition and ergonomic habits. This was said by Mumbai-based Dr. Amyn Rajani, a renowned knee, shoulder and hip surgeon, ahead of the National Bone and Joint Day.

Said Dr. Amyn Rajani: “A decade ago, bone and joint disorders were largely considered age-related. But today, we’re seeing younger adults – particularly in the 30–50 age range –with degenerative joint conditions, a steep rise in sports and gym-related injuries, more cases of postural syndromes as well as repetitive stress injuries due to incorrect fitness routines, gadget overuse and work-from-home setups. Conditions like early-onset osteoarthritis and femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) in the hip are becoming more visible in urban outpatient clinics. These weren’t on our radar 15 years ago.”

Nearly 1 in 5 Indians suffers from some form of musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, ligament and meniscus injuries, frozen shoulder, low back pain, and slipped discs. Among these, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent, especially of the knee joint. It affects 22–39% of urban adults over the age of 45. Women over 50, especially post-menopausal, are more affected than men due to hormonal changes.

Said Dr. Amyn Rajani: “We are seeing several long-term trends in India that signal a growing orthopaedic burden. Due to earlier onset of degenerative conditions, especially in knees and shoulders, there is increasing demand for joint preservation procedures like arthroscopy, PRP, and stem cell injections, especially among the 30–50 age group. A higher number of joint replacements are today being performed in younger patients.”

The doctor recounted several reasons for musculoskeletal disorders in people under 50 years of age. Prolonged sitting and lack of core strength can lead to mechanical back pain and disc issues. Obesity and improper exercise, such as excessive squats or running on hard surfaces, can result in knee pain and early cartilage wear. Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff issues are related to gym injuries and poor posture. Sports injuries like ACL and meniscus tears arise from recreational or competitive activity without proper conditioning.

Talking about prevention, Dr. Amyn Rajani said: “An individual can do several things to avoid suffering from musculoskeletal disorders at a young age. One must do daily physical activity, such as 30–45 minutes of walking, yoga, or swimming. Regular strength training helps preserve joint health and muscle support. Weight management is also important, along with adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet and supplements. One must also opt for early screening for conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and joint instability.”