Arthritis affecting younger groups

Knee arthritis is generally thought of as a problem affecting primarily seniors. Prescriptions to buy Hyalgan to treat the condition are higher among this age group. However, experts say the problem is beginning to strike younger people more frequently.

A team of researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital will report at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology that the average age of knee arthritis diagnosis had dropped significantly in recent years, according to USA Today.

The group found that the average age of diagnosis in the 1990s was 69. Today, however, that age is down to 56.

However, the researchers told the news source that many people who develop arthritis at this age can at least temporarily resolve the problem by losing weight if they are overweight. This appeared to the be the single most effective way to reduce one's risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are more than 50 million people in the U.S. living with some form of inflammatory joint pain, including knee arthritis. Making efforts to lose weight or talking to a doctor about a prescription to buy Hyalgan may help many individuals deal with their pain.