Many others like Swati suffer from Vitamin D deficiency today, resulting in severe pain in their joints. Stating that the problems of the bone and joint used to be mostly seen only among the elderly, Dr J Jayaram, an orthopaedic said, “The lack of any exercise or activities and an improper diet are the main reasons why most youngsters suffer from such illnesses today.”

“I was administered 13 injections – over the course of two weeks - after I was diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, besides being prescribed other medication. Ever since then, I ensure that I go for a morning walk every day,” said Swati.  

Sneha S, another young woman of 26 years of age, had similar painful episodes. “When I consulted a doctor with a persistent back pain, he diagnosed me with vitamin D deficiency. He advised me to go out for a walk in the morning as the sun is the best source of vitamin D. I work in the night and it is difficult to step out early in the morning. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps promote the absorption of calcium in the gut. So, vitamin D deficiency started to affect by bone density too. Now, I am on medication,” she said.

While these orthopaedic illnesses take a massive toll on the patient’s health, it tends to also affect other aspects of their life, say doctors, who therefore stressed on the need for adequate exposure to Vitamin D and exercise. 

Stressing on the need for a proper balanced healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D and essential micro nutrients, Dr Md Ismail, Director, Institute of Orthopaedics, said, “It is important to activate the muscles and bones and ensure proper periodic strengthening by physical activities and exercises and ensure adequate sunlight exposure for vitamin D. Besides, we advise elderly persons to watch out for the signs of osteoporosis and also ways to avoid the problem.” 

“Most youngsters behave like that they are allergic to sunlight. With their unhealthy lifestyle habits, they barely see the sun. A lot of working young people  today sleep only in the mornings and go to work by evening. Ensuring one exercises or is exposed to sunlight sometime between 7 am to 4 pm, is important. Besides, it is important to be aware of the importance of spending more time in less polluted areas as pollution tends to filter the ultraviolet rays,” he added.

He said that of all the patients that come to the department at the institute, over 30 per cent are youngsters. “Most patients fail to take the issue of vitamin D deficiency seriously until they are faced with tremendous pain. The other problem we see commonly among youngsters today is the repetitive strain injury also known as work-related musculoskeletal disorders,” he added.