Hip Hip No Hurray: Steroid Misuse Linked To Rising Damage In Youths

Time of India

12-05-2025

New Delhi: Leading orthopaedic experts have voiced serious concern at the misuse of steroids and unregulated protein powders that are severely damaging the hips of gym-going individuals in their 20s.
This warning came on Sunday at the Delhi Hip 360 conference, where orthopaedic specialists highlighted an alarming rise in cases of avascular necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration in young people, conditions traditionally seen in older adults.Dr L Tomar, organising chairman of the conference and senior director and unit head of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, said, "We are observing a significant surge in hip-related complaints among young patients in recent years. Every week in my OPD, I see 2-3 patients under the age of 30 — many in their early 20s — complaining of persistent hip pain. Investigations often reveal avascular necrosis, a condition where blood supply to the hip bone is compromised, leading to bone death. In over 70% of these cases, there is a history of anabolic steroid use or excessive consumption of unverified protein powders."Studies indicate increasing hip problems among youth, with alcohol and steroid usage identified as primary factors contributing to AVN in young adults. The Maharashtra Food & Drugs Administration recently initiated statewide inspections of protein supplements after discovering several brands containing unauthorised performance-enhancing steroids, which are readily accessible online and in gyms without proper documentation or authorisation.Young individuals pursuing quick physical results are inadvertently harming their skeletal health, particularly affecting the femoral head of the hip joint, which is notably susceptible to blood circulation issues. India has a substantial unauthorised online market for performance-enhancing substances and muscle-building supplements.Dr Rajiv Jain, chief coordinator of Delhi Hip 360 and senior orthopaedic surgeon, said, "Steroids, especially when misused or consumed unsupervised, directly impact blood supply to the bones. The femoral head, being the most vulnerable, is often the first to suffer. It begins with pain, stiffness and limping, and in many cases, leads to complete collapse of the hip joint. Hip replacements are required for patients whose condition cannot be treated using medications."AVN is not only painful but also often irreversible if not diagnosed early. In extreme cases, the only treatment is total hip replacement, a complex procedure typically meant for older patients. Orthopaedic experts say this is becoming disturbingly common in India's urban youth.Research findings shared by orthopaedic specialists at the conference held at Hotel Ashoka indicated that among AVN patients treated in Delhi's tertiary care facilities in the previous three years, over 30% were younger than 35 years old. The majority of these cases were linked to inappropriate use of steroids, whether through injections, oral consumption or misuse of supplements.Dr Sharad Agarwal, scientific chairman of the conference and senior orthopaedic surgeon, said that fitness had become a booming industry in India, but lacked proper regulation and education. "The youngsters are misled into believing that bigger muscles equal better health. What they don't realise is that behind that muscle, their bones might be silently deteriorating," said Agarwal. "We urgently need awareness drives, regulation of supplement markets and basic orthopaedic screening at gyms. The message is clear: fitness should not come at the cost of mobility. The youth of India need better guidance to build their bodies—without breaking their hips."Medical experts are urging fitness trainers, social media influencers and gym owners to educate their clients about the risks of using steroids and unverified protein supplements as shortcuts to achieve physical fitness goals. These healthcare practitioners emphasise the importance of warning exercise enthusiasts against opting for unsafe methods instead of following natural bodily development through proper training.