Inflammatory arthritis can affect young people, warns expert

Rheumatology specialist Prof. Dr. Meryem Can has highlighted that inflammatory joint diseases, often referred to as arthritis, can affect younger populations, particularly those under the age of 50. While many believe rheumatic diseases are exclusive to the elderly, inflammatory arthritis frequently impacts younger individuals and is more prevalent among women.

Prof. Dr. Can noted that arthritis is not a single disease but a term meaning ‘joint inflammation,’ encompassing over one hundred different conditions. Key symptoms include joint pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement. If not diagnosed and treated early, these conditions can lead to permanent joint damage and loss of function.

Diagnosis typically begins with the patient's medical history and physical examination, supplemented by laboratory tests and radiological imaging. While osteoarthritis (calcification) is a common cause of disability in those over 50, inflammatory arthritis requires long-term management and early intervention to prevent chronic progression.