Common Myths Regarding Arthritis: A Physician Dispels What Is and Is Not True

People with arthritis experience pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility due to inflammation in one or more joints. Mitigation in pain intensity may vary from mild discomfort to excruciating pain, impacting millions of people globally. There are many types of arthritis, including gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, each with unique causes and treatment options.

Children may suffer from arthritis just like adults, although older people are more likely to have it. The symptoms could become worse with time and affect everyday activities. For the treatment of arthritis, physical therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery are employed.

Dr. Ramkinkar Jha, an arthroscopy and robotic joint replacement surgeon at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, spoke about common misconceptions about arthritis with Jagran English.

What is the nature of arthritis?
Dr. Ramkinkar claims that arthritis, which affects millions of people worldwide, is a disorder marked by inflammation in the joints. There are still some misconceptions about arthritis, despite the abundance of information that is accessible. It’s essential to distinguish reality from fantasy in order to properly comprehend and treat this illness. Let’s dispel a few misconceptions and learn more about the real story.

Myth 1: Only the elderly are affected by arthritis.

Fact: Arthritis affects individuals of all ages, including children and young adults, as in the case of juvenile arthritis, while being more common in older people.

Myth 2: Ageing is natural and comes with arthritis.

Fact: Although the risk of arthritis rises with age, other variables such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment all play a part.

Myth 3: Arthritis is brought on by just cracking your knuckles.

Factual statement: Although knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis, it may eventually cause joint swelling and a reduction in grip strength.

Myth 4: Joints alone are impacted by arthritis.

Factual statement: Arthritis affects more than just joints; it is associated with systemic inflammation that affects several bodily components.

Myth 5: Symptoms of arthritis become worse with exercise.

Fact: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for minimising stiffness, strengthening and extending muscles, and treating arthritis.

Myth 6: The weather has no effect on the symptoms of arthritis.

Fact: For many people, weather variations, particularly those that are cold and humid, might exacerbate their symptoms of arthritis.

Myth 7: Arthritis cannot be prevented in any way.

Fact: Living a healthy lifestyle may help lower the risk of arthritis. This includes keeping a healthy weight and doing regular exercise.

Myth 8: All drugs for rheumatism have addictive properties.

Fact: While certain drugs have the potential to become addictive, many others, such as DMARDs and NSAIDs, do not become addictive when taken as directed.

Myth 9: Arthritis may be cured by diet supplements.

Fact: There isn’t enough proof to conclude that supplements can completely cure arthritis, even if they could help some people feel better.

Myth 10: There is just one kind of arthritis.

Factual statement: Arthritis comprises more than 100 distinct disorders, each with unique causes, signs, and therapies.

Dispelling widespread misconceptions about arthritis is essential for a proper understanding and treatment of the ailment, according to Dr. Ramkinkar. Even though arthritis is common, eradicating myths helps people make proactive health choices and enhance their quality of life.