Joint Pain Is Not Just Part of Getting Older

India

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With arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions affecting millions of people, CARE Hospitals is urging individuals to take persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness seriously and seek timely medical attention. On World Arthritis Day, the hospital highlights the importance of early evaluation, appropriate treatment and sustained joint care in helping people maintain mobility and quality of life.

A 2025 study published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases under the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) India Project screened 56,548 people and reported a prevalence of musculoskeletal pain of 16.14% in the study population. Osteoarthritis prevalence was estimated at 4.39%. The study also reported a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among rural participants than urban participants, at 20% and 10.3%, respectively, highlighting the need to strengthen awareness and access to care across communities.

“Persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness should not be dismissed as routine signs of ageing, particularly when they begin to interfere with everyday activities. Timely medical evaluation can help identify the underlying condition, determine the appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of avoidable complications. Patients experiencing recurring symptoms should seek professional advice rather than rely on self-medication or delay consultation,” said Dr. Sanjib Kumar Behera, Clinical Director & HOD, Dept. of Orthopaedic and Joint replacement surgery, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

The growing burden of knee osteoarthritis in India is further highlighted by a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics in 2025. Based on 16 population-based studies, researchers estimated a pooled prevalence of 20.24%. Although the findings varied considerably across studies, the analysis underscores the importance of addressing persistent knee pain and mobility-related concerns through appropriate medical assessment.

Doctors at CARE Hospitals advise individuals experiencing recurring joint pain, prolonged morning stiffness, swelling or restricted movement to consult a qualified medical professional. A clinical assessment and appropriate investigations can help establish the diagnosis and guide treatment. Patients should also follow prescribed medication and review schedules, undertake suitable physical activity and physiotherapy as recommended, and maintain a healthy weight where appropriate. A sudden, severely painful, hot or swollen joint, particularly when accompanied by fever, warrants urgent medical attention.

“Arthritis management requires a consistent, individualised approach rather than focusing only on immediate pain relief. Appropriate treatment, regular follow-ups, suitable physical activity and adherence to medical advice can help patients manage symptoms and preserve functional ability. Recognising changes in joint health and acting on them early can make a meaningful difference to a person’s mobility and independence,” said Dr M Ranganath Reddy, Chief Consultant – Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Aster Prime Hospital, Hyderabad.