Why Are People in Their 40s Getting Knee Replacements?

Dr.Bharat Bahre, 3 mins read

Our lifestyle and eating habits have become poorer, and so has our health, leading to joint problems at an early age. As a result, people in their 40s are advised to undergo knee replacements. Tragically, a few years ago, it was considered a procedure for people above 60. But now the landscape has changed completely.

This shift has changed a lot and shows how the bone and joint health is deteriorating day by day in young people. Why? Let’s discuss the primary culprits in this guide.

• Lifestyle and Early Wear 

Today, people in their 40s are either too active or inactive physically. Both situations raise the risk of early wear and tear of weight-bearing joints like the knee. For example, a proactive lifestyle, including high-impact activities, like running, jumping, and contact sports, can put strain on knees and cause premature degeneration of the joint. 

On the other hand, people with an inactive lifestyle usually have weaker muscles around the knee and reduced joint flexibility, which can raise the risk of falls and injury, ultimately damaging the joint.

• Being Obese or Obesity

Being overweight or obese, particularly morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40), is not just a cosmetic concern but a medical issue as well, as it gives rise to many problems. Here is the science behind it. Well, obesity puts stress on the joint, which accelerates the wear and tear of the cartilage and increases the likelihood of osteoarthritis.

• Repetitive Injuries 

Repetitive injuries, especially sports injuries and microtraumas, can damage joints over the years. People who have been engaged in high-impact exercises from a young age often have to suffer from joint problems. 

• Desire to Improve Quality of Life

As joint problems and the severe pain they cause are unbearable and affect daily life, the demand for knee replacement has increased. 

This is a mainstay treatment for the last stage of arthritis and a severely injured knee. With over 95% success rate, better implant quality, and surgical expertise, knee replacement nowadays improves the quality of life, mobility, and reduces pain. 

Additionally, increased awareness of the procedure, improved accessibility, and affordability of quality knee replacements have further fueled demand for this procedure.      

If you or someone you know is suffering from a joint problem, consider a second opinion from our team of experts at Aakash Healthcare.