If you are struggling to squat, climb stairs or sit cross-legged, then consult a doctor as it may be a sign of joint degeneration. Do you find it hard to sit cross-legged on the floor, climb stairs, get up after sitting for a long time, bend to tie your shoelaces or perform other ordinary everyday movements? These actions go unnoticed as they stay in the background of daily life. But when discomfort arises, it becomes hard to ignore.Trouble sitting cross-legged? The root cause may be in your joint health. (Picture credit: Pexel)To decode the root cause of such joint-related pain, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Yash Gulati, senior consultant and advisor, orthopaedics at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, shared his insights on the early warning signs of a particular joint condition which is surging among middle-aged adults. He confirmed that a growing number of adults are reporting such joint-related discomfort. The initial signs may be stiffness, but he cautioned that it may lead to joint degeneration soon.ALSO READ: Orthopaedic doctor shares 6 common workout mistakes you make which increase joint injury riskUnderstanding joint degeneration“Across orthopaedic clinics, specialists are seeing more people in their 40s and 50s seeking help for knee pain, reduced flexibility, back discomfort and movement-related concerns that were once associated with much older age groups,” he mentioned the most common complaints in clinics and how it showcases the rise of this particular condition.The orthopaedic doctor also brought to attention that joint degeneration rarely begins with severe pain. Instead, it often develops gradually through symptoms that many people dismiss as a consequence of ageing, a busy lifestyle or lack of exercise.Early warning signsReduced flexibility in movement is a red flag. (Pixabay)Dr Gulati listed these common signs:Difficulty sitting cross-legged or squattingPain while climbing or descending stairsMorning stiffness or stiffness after prolonged sittingReduced flexibility and range of motionOccasional swelling around the jointsA grinding or clicking sensation during movementThese symptoms should not be ignored if they persist. Many patients seek medical attention only when pain begins affecting their daily activities, but Dr Gulati assured that early diagnosis provides an opportunity to preserve joint function and prevent further deterioration.Debunking mythIn fact, Dr Gulati also cleared the misconception that knee pain or joint wear-and-tear will eventually lead to surgery. “When identified early, many joint-related issues can often be managed through physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, weight management and other measures aimed at protecting joint function. The focus is increasingly on helping people stay active and maintain mobility for as long as possible,” he elaborated. The doctor actually reiterated that one of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until pain becomes difficult to ignore. When you act early, the treatment outcome is also better.Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.Adrija Dey’s proclivity for observation fuels her storytelling instinct. As a lifestyle journalist, she crafts compelling, relatable narratives across diverse touchpoints of the human experience, including wellness, mental health, relationships, interior design, home decor, food, travel, and fashion that gently nudge readers toward living a little better. For her, stories exist in flesh and bones, carried by human vessels and shaped through everyday endeavours. It is the small stories we live and share that make us human. After all, humans and their lores are the most natural and raw repositories of stories, and uncovering them, for her, is akin to peeling an orange under a winter afternoon sun. Always up for a chat, she believes the best stories come from unfiltered yapping, where "too much information" is kind of the point. A graduate of Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, and an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Adrija spends her idle hours cocooned with herbal tea and a gripping thriller, scribbling inner monologues she loosely calls poetic pieces, often with her succulents in attendance. On lazier days, she can be found binge-watching, for the nth time, one from her comfort-show holy trinity: The Office (US), Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Modern Family. Dancing by herself to her peppy playlists, however, is an everyday ritual she swears by religiously.Read MoreKnee PainHealthCatch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.See Less