Copyright timesnownews
Once viewed as a disease of the aged, arthritis is now found among young adults and even teenagers. The lifestyle of today, which is characterised by work-from-home, online classes, and non-stop scrolling on the internet, has been detrimental to our joints. Sitting for a long time makes the muscles weak, less flexible, and puts pressure on the joints that keep the body upright. Eventually, this lack of activity causes swelling, pain, and tightness, which were previously only associated with old age. The digital age, while it does make life easier, is harmful to our physical health, especially the strength and mobility of our joints. A Sedentary Lifestyle and Its Hidden TollLong sitting hours—be it for work, study, or relaxation—have become a major cause of joint problems. The extended time of complete inactivity greatly slows down blood flow and reduces the delivery of nutrients to the joints. The muscles around major joints that are the source of support, like the back, hips, knees, and neck, become weak. The lack of movement also hampers the production of synovial fluid, which is the body’s natural joint lubricant. In the long run, all these situations result in young people getting stiff joint pain, and even developing arthritis-like symptoms. How Weight and Inactivity Intensify the Damage The body is likely to put on weight when the level of physical activity is lowered. Even a small increase in body weight can be a factor in the increase in joint problems. A single kilogram of body weight is said to add almost 4 kilograms of pressure on the knees when the body is in motion. The extra pressure thus speeds up the process of cartilage wearing out, which leads to swelling and pain. Today's youth are in a situation where they are exposed to the risk of early arthritis due to the combination of sitting for long hours, less physical activity, and consumption of energy-intensive foods. The Posture Problem of the Digital EraApart from sitting for too long, bad posture during the use of digital gadgets is another important offender. One of the consequences of hours spent looking down at a screen is something called ‘tech neck’. The condition causes the spine, shoulders, and back muscles to be overly tight and in constant tension. The effects of slumping and bad posture are that the joints become even more vulnerable, increasing the risk of damage. Continuous strain from such posture habits can eventually contribute to joint degeneration, especially in the neck and upper back. A Mindful Approach to Prevention The rise of such a type of arthritis is not inevitable. To reduce the risk of the disease, one can take a walk or stretch for a couple of minutes every hour, set up an ergonomic workstation, and be physically active by doing yoga, cycling, or swimming, which are gentle on the joints. Consuming foods that are rich in omega-3, calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidants is a way to strengthen bones and lessen inflammation. Drinking proper amounts of water and keeping good posture are also ways to prevent arthritis.
