Osteoarthritis (OA), long considered a “wear-and-tear” disease of old age, is increasingly being diagnosed in people as young as 30, according to new research.The review by researchers at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals suggests OA should be viewed as a heterogeneous syndrome rather than a single disease. The condition is driven by a combination of biological, biomechanical, metabolic, genetic, and molecular factors, but in youth obesity and poor lifestyle is surging the cases.“Osteoarthritis is no longer confined to the elderly — we are now seeing patients as young as 30, often driven by obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This research makes clear that osteoarthritis is not a single disease but a spectrum of conditions,” said Dr. (Prof.) Raju Vaishya, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.Noting that a one-size-fits-all approach may not help, the expert stressed the need for personalized treatment that recognizes the specific phenotype in each patient.Also read: Can Running Marathons Or Ultramarathons Raise Colon Cancer Risk? Study Sparks ConcernSix Disease Subtypes IdentifiedThe review, published in International Orthopaedics, identifies six disease subtypes, including inflammatory, metabolic, and pain-sensitization variants. Researchers recommend MRI-based tools and biomarker panels to guide treatment decisions.Emerging technologies such as AI-assisted MRI scoring and PET-MRI with 18F-NaF may also enable earlier detection and better patient classification, although wider clinical adoption will require standardized protocols and large-scale validation studies.Osteoarthritis Burden Rising WorldwideMore than 500 million people worldwide live with osteoarthritis, accounting for 7.6 per cent of the global population. According to Global Burden of Disease estimates, prevalence has increased by 132 per cent over the past 30 years and is projected to rise by another 60 per cent by 2050.Women, people with obesity, and those with previous joint injuries are disproportionately affected.What Is Osteoarthritis And Its Symptoms? Read More: Hepatologist Recommends 9 Most Effective Exercises For Better Liver HealthOsteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down, causing joints to become stiff, painful, and less mobile.The disease commonly affects the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands, although it can occur in almost any joint.Common symptoms include:Joint painJoint stiffnessDifficulty moving affected jointsSwellingJoint tendernessA grating or crackling sensation during movementPain and stiffness after periods of inactivityEnlarged or knobbly jointsReduced range of movementMuscle weakness or muscle lossHow To Prevent OsteoarthritisExperts say maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding prolonged sedentary behaviour, and preventing joint injuries can help lower the risk of osteoarthritis.One of the biggest challenges in osteoarthritis treatment is the “care gap.” Many patients are too young or not yet severe enough for surgery but may spend years relying on medications that relieve symptoms without addressing the underlying mechanics of joint stress.Research suggest gait retraining — adjusting the way a person walks — could help bridge this gap. Unlike medication or surgery, gait retraining is non-invasive and may offer a sustainable long-term solution.Currently, gait retraining often requires specialized tools such as motion-capture systems and pressure-sensitive treadmills. However, newer approaches, including smartphone-based video analysis and sensor-equipped “smart shoes,” are being developed to make the technique more accessible.Experts caution against making major changes to walking patterns without professional guidance, as improper adjustments may place additional strain on other parts of the body.