Are your muscle-building supplements harming your hips?

Could your trusted supplements for muscle building and appetite control be silently damaging your hips? Orthopaedic experts have flagged the misuse of steroids and unregulated protein powders severely damaging the hips of young gym-goers, especially those in their 20s. 

 

'Delhi Hip 360' conference, held in the national capital, highlighted the alarming rise in cases of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration in youth. 

 

"We are observing a significant surge in hip-related complaints among young patients in recent years. Every week in my OPD, I see two to three patients under the age of 30, many in their early 20s, complaining of persistent hip pain," Dr L. Tomar, unit head of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, Delhi said. 

 

What is Avascular Necrosis (AVN)? 

 

Avascular Necrosis also known as osteonecrosis is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. It could lead to issues including joint collapse, severe pain and potential arthritis. The condition most commonly affects long bones like hips, knee and shoulders. 

 

AVN is a condition that is often irreversible if not diganosed early. Hip replacement is the only solution if it the diagnosis is delayed. 

 

During the conference, the doctors also added that recent studies have indicated a rise in hip issues among youth and how alcohol and steroid use fuel to AVN among young adults.

 

Recently, the Maharashtra FDA launched statewide checks on protein powders after several brands were found to be spiked with performance-enhancing steroids. 

 

Dr Rajiv Jain, senior orthopaedic surgeon, said that steriods when used unsupervised could directly impact the blood supply to the bones, reported PTI.

 

Over 30 per cent of AVN cases seen in Delhi's tertiary hospitals over the past three years involved patients under 35. Doctors pointed out that most of the cases had a history of either steroid injection, oral steroid abuse or supplement misuse. 

 

Earlier, studies have found that commercially available protein powders have concerning amounts of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Therefore, doctors have urged fitness trainers, influencers and gym owners to educate their clients about the risks of shortcuts like steroid cycles and unverified protein supplements. 

Health