While arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, women are disproportionately affected by this disease in comparison to men.
While arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, women are disproportionately affected by this disease in comparison to men.
Even in their 20s and 30s, young women are highly susceptible to arthritis.
In addition to genetics, obesity and inactivity can exacerbate arthritis and cause it to occur early in young women.
Women tend to have wider pelvises than men do, which can exacerbate knee joint strain and lead to arthritis," said Dr Kumar.
Arthritis is a common health condition that involves the inflammation of the joints. The first relates to inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus.
The second type is osteoarthritis, in which the tissues in the joints break down over time.
While arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, women are disproportionately affected by this disease in comparison to men.
"The higher hormonal levels in women, such as estrogen and progesterone, can affect the health of their joints. High estrogen levels can cause the cartilage in the joints to degenerate faster, leading to osteoarthritis," said Dr Ashutosh Jha, Consultant, Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad.
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Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also cause joint pain and stiffness. While arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, women are disproportionately affected by this disease in comparison to men. (Photo: Getty Images)
In India, one in three women over 60 suffers from arthritis. Even in their 20s and 30s, young women are highly susceptible to arthritis.
"Young women today are struggling to perform daily tasks like walking, standing, or even holding a pen because of excruciating joint pain and stiffness," said Dr Rahul Kumar, Senior Consultant, Joint Replacement and Sports Injury Centre, Paras Health Gurugram.
Dr Kumar added that genetics play a role in the development of arthritis in women, as those with a family history of arthritis are more likely to develop the condition.
In addition to genetics, obesity and inactivity can exacerbate arthritis and cause it to occur early in young women.
Another reason for a higher prevalence of this degenerative disease involves the anatomy of women.
Since women have smaller joints, there is less cartilage between the bones to provide cushioning.
"As a result, their joints are more susceptible to harm, which can result in arthritis. Women tend to have wider pelvises than men do, which can exacerbate knee joint strain and lead to arthritis," said Dr Kumar.
Misdiagnosis is a major cause of high incidence of arthritis in women, the experts pointed out. This leads to worsening of symptoms of time and the delay of appropriate treatment.
HOW IS ARTHRITIS TREATED?
There is no cure for arthritis, but there are ways to slow its progression. Doctors may prescribe medications like Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) to treat different types of arthritis. Certain exercises can also help ease the pain.
Published By: Daphne Clarance Published On: May 16, 2024
