10 Common Myths About Arthritis

Professor Feng Pao Hsii

Myth 1
Only older people have arthritis

Arthritis is not only a problem for the elderly. In fact, arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, even children. In the US and UK , it is estimated that one in 1,000 children has juvenile chronic arthritis. Although the numbers are much lower in Asian children, rheumatologists do see young children with arthritis.

Myth 2
Arthritis is a single disease

There are in fact, more than 120 different kinds of arthritis known to the medical profession. Fortunately, most of them are rare. The commonest forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylolitis, septic arthritis and a generalized “aches and pains” syndrome called fibromyalgia. As far as possible, it is important to make a definitive diagnosis because treatments are different for different types of arthritis.

Myth 3
Arthritis is caused by cold, wet weather

Arthritis is NOT caused by cold and wet weather. Dry weather has been regarded as a cure prompting some arthritis patients to move from colder to warmer climates. Unfortunately, populations in all types of climates are affected by arthritis.

Myth 4
Certain diets can cause arthritis or make the arthritis worse

With the exception of gout, diet plays almost no part in the causation or exacerbation of arthritis. Very rare individuals may have specific food allergies that aggravate their arthritis but this is very uncommon. Weight control is especially important for people with arthritis because being overweight puts added stress on your arthritic joints, especially the hips, knees and ankles.

Myth 5
Arthritis is a minor physical inconvenience

It is a common myth that arthritis exhibits only as minor aches and pains. Although this is true in the majority, a small minority have severe debilitating disease rendering them severely crippled and unable to care for themselves. Most of them have long-standing, aggressive forms of arthritis that require more complex treatments. Arthritis therefore consists of much more than just minor aches and pains, and early diagnosis and treatment is very important.

Myth 6
There is no cure for arthritis

Unfortunately, this is true in the light of current knowledge. This is also true for many diseases like asthma, diabetes and hypertension which have no cure. However there are many effective drugs now available that can control both the pain and progression of many forms of arthritis. One of the major advances in the management of arthritis is the newly discovered COX-2 inhibitors. These drugs are very effective in reducing the symptoms like pain and swelling, and are relatively well tolerated in terms of side effects compared to the older types of drugs. These drugs are especially indicated in older people or those with gastric symptoms.

Myth 7
Vitamin and other food supplements and glucosamine are good for arthritis

There is very little good scientific evidence that food supplements such as multivitamins, royal jelly, noni juice are useful in the treatment of arthritis. In view of the recent Slim 10 tragedy, patients are strongly advised to be extremely careful about taking such supplements. If you are taking such supplements, it is best to discuss and inform your doctor.

Regarding glucosamine, there is some scientific evidence that it works – but only in one type of arthritis known as osteoarthritis and only after three years of follow-up study. There is absolutely no study on the use of glucosamine in the treatment of other kinds of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and patients should not take it.

Myth 8
Everyday is the same for arthritis patients

It is important for arthritis patients to realize that drugs can control and lessen symptoms like pain and stiffness, but they cannot completely eradicate them. The term “pain killer” should ideally be replaced with “pain reliever”. Therefore, patients with arthritis will have “good” days and “bad” days – on “good” days, try to do and accomplish more; and on “bad” days, take more rest.

Myth 9
Patients with arthritis should rest as much as possible

Although during the acutely painful stage, rest of the joint is important, one should resume some form of graded exercise once the acute symptoms have subsided. This is where physiotherapists and occupational therapists come in. Together with the doctor, they form an important team in the total management of the arthritis patient.

Myth 10
There is nothing I can do about my arthritis

WRONG. You certainly can do something about it as you are an important partner in the management of arthritis. Learn more about your disease by joining support groups. Learn more about the currently available drugs and their efficacy and side effects. If you have questions, do not be afraid to ask your doctor. Without proper diagnosis, your arthritis may progress to a chronic stage, and this may progress further with complete destruction of the joint. Early diagnosis and treatment forms the basis of good management.

This article was contributed by Professor Feng Pao Hsii.

Disclaimer :
The article is for information purposes only and cannot be construed as an advice or recommendation. Any information provided herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific health status of any specific person.

The views expressed by the author represent the opinions of the author and not those of the staff and management of the Centre For Seniors.