Myths and Facts About Arthritis

Arthritis is a strange condition: it has been well documented for hundreds of years, yet it is shrouded in mystery. With over 100 forms of arthritis currently being diagnosed, there is a wealth of oft-repeated myths that continue to be floated around. Arthritis continues to be studied and new therapies are constantly being developed. How much do you know about arthritis? Test your knowledge about arthritis with this primer on myths and facts about arthritis.

Myth #1: Arthritis is an older person's condition. It only affects the elderly.
Fact: This is patently false. It's true that arthritis commonly affects older individuals. But did you know that roughly half of all people afflicted with some form of arthritis are under the age of 65? Rheumatoid arthritis can strike even the very young. Moreover, the number of younger people being diagnosed with some form of arthritis is growing, especially with the baby boomer generation gradually entering retirement age. No more will the stereotype of the elderly person with arthritis persist. Arthritis patients nowadays are often active, working adults.

Myth #2: If you suffer from arthritis, you are doomed to a life of stiff joints.
Fact: Yes, it's true that stiff, pained joints are a hallmark of many forms of arthritis. But this doesn't mean you have to live a life marked by pain and discomfort. Drug therapies can go far in controlling stiffness and pain. Moreover, there are various non-drug therapies that can be quite effective. These include occupational and physical therapy. Also, lifestyle management choices such as weight management and a healthy diet can go far to providing relief for the primary symptoms of this condition.

Myth #3: Arthritis just means that your joints are stiff.
Fact: True, one of the most common symptoms of this condition is the presence of stiff joints. But this doesn't mean that arthritis simply means that your joints feel stiff. Rather, this stiff feeling is usually the result of underlying inflammation. Stiff joints don't necessarily indicate arthritis. They can also be the result of injury or the presence of illness.

Myth #4: If your mother or father suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, you will probably suffer from it one day as well.
Fact: There is not enough evidence to prove that rheumatoid arthritis is an inherited condition. It's true that some people may be genetically predisposed toward the disease, but hereditary factors are not a major risk factor. Rheumatoid arthritis is not a result of wear and tear or hereditary. It is in fact an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own tissues, causing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to develop.

Myth #5: If you have some form of arthritis, it's best to avoid physical activity. You don't want to strain or hurt yourself.
Fact: If you have arthritis, exercise is one of the best therapies you can give yourself. Exercise has been shown to slow the loss of muscle and bone density. It strengthens the muscles, improves flexibility, and helps patients increase their overall range of motion.