Arthritis on the Rise: Unpacking Why More Are Suffering Sooner
More people are being diagnosed with arthritis at AIIMS Delhi, and it’s not just older adults. There’s a steady increase in cases among children. The hospital’s records show about 250 to 300 children receive a diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) each year. What’s more troubling is the long wait many kids face before seeing the right doctor. For many families, the early signs—like joint pain or swelling—don’t scream 'arthritis.' Stiffness and redness in the eyes often get chalked up to everyday bumps or allergies. By the time parents realize the seriousness, sometimes two years have already passed.
Dr. Narendra Kumar Bagri from AIIMS says most parents take their children first to orthopedic doctors, not realizing that pediatric rheumatology is the actual specialty needed. These months-long detours waste precious time when treatment could have started. The problem isn’t just the crowded halls at AIIMS; it’s a lack of awareness among caregivers and sometimes primary doctors, too. The earlier the intervention, the better the child’s chances of normal movement and pain-free activity. In some cases, if managed well, medication can even be reduced or stopped down the line. The pediatric team at AIIMS now pushes for early detection and holistic care, focusing not just on pills but also on regular physical therapy and emotional support.
Indian Adults with Arthritis: Not Rare, and Getting Riskier After 40
If you thought arthritis is a problem only for the elderly, recent health survey figures tell a different story. According to a 2022 ICMR report, nearly one in four Indian adults—about 22.5%—live with some form of arthritis. And these numbers carry extra weight when you consider people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A fresh study reveals that adults with PsA are far more likely to also have issues like hypertension (17.07%), diabetes (15.19%), and thyroid problems (10.13%). Once patients cross 40, their chances of battling these additional illnesses nearly double compared to those under 40. Suddenly, arthritis isn’t just about creaky joints—it’s tangled up with bigger threats to daily health, energy levels, and even life expectancy.
Doctors like Prof. Pankaj Hari at AIIMS are calling out the need for quicker, smarter action. His advice? Don’t ignore ongoing joint pain or swelling, especially in children. If the symptoms linger, seeing a pediatrician or a rheumatologist quickly could spare years of discomfort and lasting complications. For adults, it’s not just about treating arthritis but staying vigilant for other evolving conditions as age creeps up.
- Look for pediatric specialists early if a child complains of persistent joint issues.
- Adults, especially over 40, should watch for high blood pressure, blood sugar problems, and unexpected weight changes.
- Parents and patients need more information on arthritis symptoms and available treatments so signs aren’t missed.
- Regular follow-ups and open conversations with healthcare teams help spot problems early and improve recovery odds.
There’s a clear message here: new habits of monitoring and a push for awareness could make a real difference. At AIIMS, the focus now is on education, rapid diagnosis, and a team-based approach so fewer patients—no matter their age—fall through the cracks when it comes to arthritis and its hidden complications.