Breaking Myths About Arthritis

We came into this world with one unique body. One body for running, dancing, creating, and sometimes, lounging. But sometimes, the body can develop inflammation and pain in its joints and muscles, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. This is the case for the tens of millions of people who have arthritis in India. Often, a misdiagnosis or a misconception can lead to more severe forms of arthritis that make it harder to manage. And then suddenly, the parts of the body that we paid little heed to become all we can think about. Is arthritis just waiting to happen? Do we have to live in constant fear of a painful future? Relax and take a deep breath because this World Arthritis Day, you will get all the information you need to clear any misconstrued doubts and equip you with all options for modern treatments.

Arthritis: What’s The Deal?

So what is arthritis? Arthritis is an umbrella term for joint inflammation disorders. Arthritis manifests in the body as joint pain and stiffness, making it hard to enjoy life fully. As much as we don’t want pain, arthritis is not some big, scary monster waiting to get you. It is a manageable condition, especially if caught early and tackled effectively. If you find yourself experiencing arthritic symptoms, consulting a specialist can make a world of difference for your future self. If you have a picture of arthritis that makes it seem too daunting, perhaps some of the myth-busting we are about to embark on can help!

Every 12th of October, we celebrate World Arthritis Day to raise awareness amongst readers all over the world about the impact and treatment of arthritic disorders. This is the 28th World Arthritis Day, and this year we strive to encourage you to talk to your doctor sooner than later when you are faced with joint pain.  According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 350 million people struggle with arthritis. Fortunately, in the last 20 years, science has made strides in developing more effective treatments. Unfortunately, in a world of information overload, there is a ton of misinformation that prevents us from knowing which path is the right one for us.

The Myths of Arthritis: The Big Five

Myth 1: “Arthritis only affects the elderly”

Starting with a big one – No, arthritis does not only affect people past a certain age. All ages can be susceptible to this condition. Although it is more common in the elderly since with age we lose bone density, it can also occur in children, teenagers, and young adults. When it develops in anyone is dependent on several genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. For children below 16 years old, the type of arthritis developed is called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA occurs because of autoimmunity, where the immune system goes haywire and accidentally attacks the joints, causing swelling and pain. Over time, this can cause significant damage to the growing body, which is why it is so important to get expert medical advice and treatment as early as possible.

Myth 2: “Arthritis is just joint pain and stiffness”

Although arthritis can be represented as merely stiffness in the joints, there is much more to it. There are over 200 types of arthritis, also called rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The ones you may have heard of are probably osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They can be caused by inflammation and autoimmunity and can also affect our internal organs. Arthritis shows up in the body in many ways including chronic pain, reduced mobility, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and as a consequence, mental health disturbances like anxiety, depression, social isolation, and a “brain fog”. So yes, so much more than joint pain and stiffness.

Myth 3: “There’s nothing you can do about arthritis; it’s inevitable”

Not everyone will get arthritis, based on their predisposition and lifestyle. Even if you are predisposed to it, there are several preventative measures to nip it in the bud. Regular, low-impact exercise, a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, and drinking enough water can help reduce the chances of developing arthritis. Although, indeed, it cannot always be prevented, there is plenty of action you can take to manage symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing.

Myth 4: “Exercising will worsen arthritis”

In our second-last edition of expectation vs. reality, here we have one of the most rampant misconceptions about arthritis. Exercise does not worsen arthritis; in fact, exercise can help prevent it and can help manage the painful symptoms. Regular, low-impact activities like swimming and walking help strengthen the muscles and ligaments around joints, which improves mobility, reduces stiffness, and does wonders for inflammation. Of course, we must exercise carefully and with guidance so that we do not risk injuring ourselves while pushing the body too far.

Myth 5: “Arthritis is caused by cold weather”

While cold weather can trigger arthritis symptoms, it is not the cause of the disorder itself. Arthritis is primarily caused by your genes, your habits, and your surroundings. For those with arthritis, cold temperatures can reduce the circulation of blood in the body and increase stiffness in the muscles and joints. Cold weather for many of us is curling up in a warm blanket with a hot drink and a good movie. However, this can sometimes mean that in the cold, we are less motivated to move as much. And this can exacerbate arthritis symptoms. However, with the right tools in your kit, including heating aids and anti-inflammatory foods and supplements like the pain-relieving tablets, gels, and roll-ons from three60, you will be able to manage your symptoms no matter the weather.

Conclusion

In a world full of myths and misconceptions, spreading accurate information about arthritis is crucial for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and a better quality of life for those affected. World Arthritis Day serves as a reminder that arthritis, while challenging, is not an inevitable or unmanageable condition. By understanding the facts, raising awareness, and offering support, we can empower people with arthritis to take control of their health, seek the right treatments, and maintain an active, fulfilling life. Together, we can help dispel the myths and create a more informed, compassionate community for those living with arthritis.

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