Arthritis is commonly associated with older age, but did you know that young adults can be affected too? Understanding the different types of arthritis and their symptoms is crucial, especially when it comes to early detection and treatment.
Young adults who develop arthritis may have had juvenile arthritis as children. Furthermore, their symptoms might have initiated during their young adult years. Securing an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is essential for better health outcomes. Medical News Today provides insights into how arthritis can impact young adults.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that primarily emerges in middle age. However, it’s not restricted to this age group. Young adults can also develop RA. Alarmingly, as many as 8 in 100,000 individuals aged between 18 to 34 are diagnosed with RA. The progression of RA can be more severe if it develops at a younger age. More about this can be found on WebMD.
Statistics reveal that between 1 and 3% of all adults are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. A particular study discovered that about 8 in 100,000 young adults aged 18 to 34 have been diagnosed with this condition. 
The Cleveland Clinic offers a deeper dive into how RA affects the younger demographic.
Surprisingly, arthritis can develop in individuals in their 20s, particularly if they’ve experienced a joint injury or are actively engaged in sports. Symptoms and causes of arthritis in young adults are discussed in detail by Health.com.
The primary symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness. These symptoms often intensify with age. The most prevalent types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis leads to the deterioration of cartilage — the firm, slick tissue covering the ends of bones at joint locations. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Comprehensive information about these types can be accessed on the Mayo Clinic website.
It’s worth noting that only 7% of diagnosed arthritis cases manifest between the ages of 18 and 44, which makes many associate the condition with older age. However, early-onset arthritis can affect even very young children. All variants of juvenile arthritis are regarded as early-onset. These are predominantly due to autoimmune conditions rather than the standard wear and tear of joints associated with osteoarthritis. More about early-onset arthritis is available on Verywell Health.
