7 Myths of Arthritis

Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness.

Myth 1: All types of joint pains is arthritis. #

Fact #

• Other conditions, such as tendonitis, bursitis or other soft-tissue injuries also cause joint pain.

• These are common structures that are located around the actual joints that can cause pain and swelling and mimic joint pain.

• Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially in patients over 50 years old.

• Your symptoms may include swelling, pain and you may have difficulty moving your joints. OA most commonly starts in your 50s and worsens over time.

• However, there are many structures around the joints that can also cause pain in the same areas such as tendonitis, bursitis or soft tissue injuries.

• Evaluation by a rheumatologist will lead to the right diagnosis and treatment.

Myth 2: Rain and damp weather worsen arthritis. #

Fact #

Although many believe that a twinge in the knee or knuckle can predict rain, there’s no hard scientific evidence that dampness or humidity intensifies arthritis symptoms.

Myth 3: Don’t exercise if you have arthritis. #

Fact #

• Regular, sensible exercise actually may help your arthritis, although arthritic joints sometimes need a short period of rest followed by a gradual return to activity.

• It’s important to maintain your strength and range of motion in your joints.

• We encourage movement of your joints even if you have arthritis.

Myth 4: Rum-soaked raisins, grapefruit and eggplant or other nightshade vegetables are dietary cures for arthritis. #

Fact #

• Arthritis has no cure, but medications and lifestyle changes can effectively manage symptoms and permit normal activity.

• However, paying attention to what food you’re putting in your body can help ease your symptoms.

Myth 5: Ice is less helpful than heat for sore joints. #

Fact #

• Both cold and heat are useful for arthritis. You do what feels good for your joint discomfort.

• Applying ice at night can ease joint inflammation arising from daily activities.

• Applying heat in the morning can relax the muscles that move stiff joints.

• If you’re applying ice to your sore joints, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time.

• If you don’t have any ice packs on hand, grab a bag of frozen vegetables or throw some ice cubes into a plastic baggie.

Myth 6: Supplements like glucosamine benefit everyone with arthritis. #

Fact #

• Glucosamine, a dietary supplement that helps keep joints healthy, has been shown to benefit only a subset of people with osteoarthritis, possibly by stimulating the regrowth of worn out cartilage.

• However, the study results do not support the use of glucosamine for everyone with arthritis.

Myth 7: Arthritis is treated only by an Orthopaedician #

Fact #

• Arthritis should be treated only by trained rheumatologist.

• Orthopaedicians are trained to do surgery, but before that, medical management can prevent deformity and suggest the need of surgery.

• Rheumatologists are trained for medical management of arthritis.

• Only in last stage, surgery is required, which is done by an Orthopaedician.