This edition of Medical Myths will mark Arthritis Awareness Month by focusing on some of the most long lived half-truths and untruths associated with arthritis. We tackle prevention, supplements, the effects of weather, and more.
Arthritis is a condition that results in pain and inflammation in joints. There are two main types: osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
OA — the most commonTrusted Source form of arthritis — occurs when the cartilage that sits between the bones in a joint wears down. People sometimes refer to the condition as “wear and tear” arthritis.
RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissue. It causes damage to the joints but can also affect muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and fibrous tissue.
Arthritis is not an uncommon condition. OA is a leading cause of disability in older adults, affecting an estimated 7%Trusted Source of the global population, which equates to more than 500 million people.
Only older adults develop arthritis
Arthritis is more common in older adults, but it can affect people of any age. One studyTrusted Source, which took data from the National Health Interview SurveyTrusted Source in the United States, found that doctors have diagnosed arthritis in 49.7% of adults aged 65 years or older.
However, the researchers also reported that 30.3% of adults aged 45–64 and 7.3% of people aged 18–44 had an arthritis diagnosis. As mentioned above, RA tends to present in people aged 20–40.
If your joints hurt, it is arthritis
This is not true. Not all joint pain is arthritis, and not all joint discomfort is a sign that arthritis will develop later. There are many possible causes of pain in and around the joints, including tendinitis, bursitis, and injuries.
People with arthritis should not exercise
Exercise is not generally an activity that people with arthritis need to avoid, although they should speak with their doctor before beginning a regimen. Exercise can help maintain range of motion and strength in the joints.
Nightshade vegetables worsen arthritis
Nightshade vegetables, which include tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and peppers, are embroiled in a long standing arthritis myth. Some people claim that these foods increase arthritis symptoms.
Heat is better than ice for sore joints
This is not true. In fact, both ice and heat can soothe sore joints. According to Guy’s and St Thomas’s National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom:
“Used in the right way, heat can help reduce pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. Cold application can help reduce joint inflammation and swelling.”
The Trust explains that people should use heat before exercise, when a joint is stiff, and when they experience pain. Cold can also relieve pain, and it might also be useful if the joint is inflamed, particularly if there is swelling after activity.
Arthritis is not preventable
This is a partial myth. It is not possible to prevent every case of arthritis, as some risk factors, such as advancing age, are not modifiable. However, people can eliminate or minimize certain risk factorsTrusted Source to prevent the onset of arthritis or slow its progression.
For instance, people with excess body weight have an increased risk of developing knee OA. Maintaining a moderate weight can lower arthritis risk.
After receiving a diagnosis, there is nothing you can do
Thankfully, this is a myth. Although there is often no cure for the disease, its course varies depending on the type of arthritis. Medications are available that can help reduce the symptoms of many types of arthritis and slow disease progression.
People can also adopt certain lifestyle measures to slow the progression of some types of arthritis, such as maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Glucosamine and chondroitin can cure arthritis
Generally, there is no cure for arthritis. However, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help relieve symptoms for some people with OA.
Both glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of cartilage. They are widely available in supplement form.
Weather changes can make arthritis worse
There is a persistent claim that rain and damp weather make arthritis symptoms worse. We will end on this topic because although it sounds as though it should be a myth, there does seem to be some evidence that weather can influence arthritis symptoms. However, it is not conclusive, and the weather does not seem to affect everyone with arthritis.
As this final “myth” demonstrates, despite the prevalence of arthritis, we still have much to learn about it. However, we do know that by maintaining a lifestyle that includes exercise and a nutritious, balanced diet, we can reduce the risk of some types of arthritis and slow their progression.