Celebrated Indian badminton player and Olympic medalist, Saina Nehwal is facing serious health challenges that have led her to consider retiring from the sport at the age of 34. Nehwal, once ranked among the best in the world, is now dealing with severe knee pain caused by arthritis. This condition has made it increasingly difficult for her to maintain the high level of performance required to compete with the world's top players.

According to media reports, in a candid statement, Nehwal expressed her frustration, saying, "It's becoming impossible to train for 8-9 hours a day. My knees are in bad shape. How can I compete with the best players in the world with legs like these? I may have to accept this and start thinking about retirement." Nehwal’s case highlights the growing issue of arthritis among younger athletes, which is no longer just a disease of old age. Many young individuals, like Saina, are suffering from debilitating joint pain that severely impacts their careers and daily lives.

The report, noted that medical experts explain that arthritis can take many forms and is not limited to older individuals. Dr. Buddhadeb Chatterjee, an orthopaedic specialist, noted that arthritis can be managed with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments. However, the severity of the condition and the type of arthritis one is dealing with must be accurately diagnosed for effective management. He stated, "There are various types of arthritis, and the treatment approach depends on the specific kind and how it is affecting the body."

Athletes, especially those in physically demanding sports like football, often experience arthritis due to the excessive pressure on their joints, particularly the knees. Dr. Chatterjee explained, "Those who are physically very active, such as football players, often develop arthritis due to the intense strain on their joints. On the other hand, sedentary individuals who gain excessive weight may also develop arthritis due to the increased stress on their bones."

A study has shown that the prevalence of arthritis in India’s urban areas is 4.5% of the total population, compared to just 0.6% in rural regions. Experts attribute this to the sedentary lifestyle of urban residents, which includes long hours of desk work, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits. Obesity, in particular, is a significant factor that increases the risk of arthritis by putting additional pressure on the joints.

India has seen a significant rise in arthritis cases over the years. According to the National Institutes of Health, the number of people affected by osteoarthritis in India grew from 23.5 million in 1990 to 62.4 million in 2019. Additionally, the rate of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that affects the joints, is higher in India than in many other countries.

Despite the challenges, experts emphasise that arthritis can be managed with proper treatment, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis is critical, especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, as timely treatment can prevent severe joint damage and improve the quality of life for patients. For those who do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options, including ligament repair or joint replacement, are available.

As Saina Nehwal contemplates her future, her saga serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing arthritis early and taking proactive steps to manage its impact on one's career and life.