In 20s or 30s, trying to juggle a career, social life, and personal dreams. But you’re also battling a condition most people associate with their grandparents. It’s not just about aching joints. It’s about the daily grind of managing pain, dealing with well-meaning but frustrating advice, and proving that you’re not “too young” to feel this way. Here are 7 things a millennial with arthritis wants you to know.
1. Arthritis isn’t just an old person’s disease
Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t pick & choose who it affects.
It can cause severe pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Although RA is more common in women, men get it too. But more importantly, it affects people of all ages.
According to Dr. Grace Wright, a rheumatologist at Langone Medical Center in New York City, there is an increase in patients between 20 and 40 years old. Additionally, there is another surge in cases among those over 60.
2. No two days are the same
Some days are good & some are bad. And even the in-between days can be different.
And no – nobody wants to ditch plans at the last minute.
Someone might start the day feeling okay, but by afternoon, the pain might flare up.
They try to judge how they’re feeling based on how severe their mornings aches & pains are, whether they want to dress up, and when they need their pain medication.
It’s never the same.
3. It’s not their job to convince others
Living with a chronic condition means a millennial with arthritis is constantly managing their health, which is challenging enough.
It’s not their job to convince others about the arthritis pain.
While they appreciate when people show genuine interest and empathy, it can be exhausting to convince people that they actually are unwell.
Comments like “But you look okay!” or “Have you tried walking more?” – no matter how well-meaning – can feel dismissive & frustrating.
And no, they can’t and shouldn’t take on the responsibility of teaching everyone they meet about their condition.
4. They are not weak or less productive
Millennials with arthritis aren’t weak or less productive.
In fact, they’ve developed incredible resilience and strength to manage their daily lives.
They may have to approach tasks differently, taking more breaks or working at their own pace, but that doesn’t diminish their abilities or contributions.
Their productivity might look different from someone without a chronic condition, but it’s no less valuable.
5. They’re not trying to get out of things
Arthritis patients often get paranoid about people secretly judging them.
They might be rolling their eyes and saying to themselves, “Sure, she says she can’t go to this event, but she went to that other one, so she must be fine.”
If only things worked that way. But they don’t.
Each day is different, and what someone can handle one day might be too much the next. It’s not that simple, and if only people understood that.
Just because someone could do something yesterday (or the day before) doesn’t mean they can do the same thing today. It’s a constant balancing act.
6. There is no cure for arthritis
Arthritis is a lifelong condition with no cure.
People often offer herbal remedies or advice that arthritis patients have heard a million times before, hoping to help.
Some even dismiss their condition as curable based on unfounded personal anecdotes. It can be frustrating & disheartening, especially when it’s a well-known fact that arthritis is incurable and irreversible.
While treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, there’s no magic solution.
Genuine support means acknowledging the chronic nature of arthritis and being there without trying to fix what can’t be fixed.
7. It’s about more than just joints
Arthritis affects more than just joints; it impacts entire lives.
Chronic pain and stiffness can make everyday activities challenging, from getting out of bed to holding a pen.
But the effects go beyond physical limitations.
Arthritis can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. It can also affect social lives, as those with the condition might have to cancel plans or avoid activities that worsen the pain.
It’s a constant battle, not just with body aches & pains but with maintaining a sense of normalcy as well.