Arthritis is a general term for a range of conditions that affect the joints, surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. Although most people associate arthritis with older adults, it can affect people of all ages, including young adults. The causes of arthritis generally differ between someone who is young and an older person with the condition.
Causes of arthritis in young adults include:
- Being overweight or obese, which puts extra pressure on the weight-bearing joints
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Having a job that requires sitting down for long periods of time (which can lead to osteoarthritis in the lower spine)
- Poor posture when sitting for long periods or regular heavy lifting
- Wear and tear damage that can occur over time, which may be accelerated by injury or other joint-related conditions
- Genetics
- Having excess weight
There are different types of arthritis, and each has a different cause. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, and it is caused by wear and tear to the cartilage in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is another common type of arthritis, and it is caused by the immune system attacking the lining of the joints.
Symptoms of arthritis in young adults may include:
- Tender, warm, or swollen joints
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Bony erosions
- Rheumatoid nodules
Young adults with arthritis may experience difficulties in their daily lives, such as difficulty in achieving their goals, social lives, friendships, and relationships. However, young adults with RA are more likely to get aggressive treatment to get their disease under control, which can help prevent joint damage and disability.
