17/09/2025
Arthritis: Myths and Facts
Myth #1: Arthritis is limited to elderly people
Fact: Arthritis is more common among elderly people, but it can affect children and adults as well. Certain types of arthritis, such as juvenile arthritis, are more common in babies and young kids aged below 16 years of age. Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the tissues and joints, usually begins in middle age.
Myth #2: Any kind of joint pain is arthritis
Fact: Not all joint pain, stiffness and discomfort are signs of arthritis. The joints can pain due to other reasons, such as injuries, bursitis and tendinitis. Timely diagnosis by a healthcare professional can help understand the actual cause. In case the pain is persistent, seek medical advice without delay. Persistent joint pain and mobility issues can be signs of arthritis.
Myth #3: Exercise can make arthritis worse
Fact: Exercise is not bad for arthritis patients. On the contrary, regular exercise can strengthen the joints and muscles, ease pain, boost energy levels and improve mobility. However, arthritis patients should talk to their doctors before beginning an exercise regimen. Studies have shown that arthritis patients who exercise regularly experience less pain and can sleep better at night. Exercise can also improve the overall health and fitness of an arthritis patient and keep their body weight in check.
Myth #4: You can’t do anything about arthritis
Fact: Although the condition has no cure, it can be controlled with the help of medicines and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and the correct treatment can prevent the condition from progressing. And a good health insurance policy can deal with the associated cost as well. Arthritis patients must also make important changes to their lifestyle to manage the condition better. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining body weight, sleeping well at night and staying away from to***co can help.
Myth #5: Joint pain increases in damp weather
Fact: Arthritis pain and other symptoms are not affected by the weather. According to experts, the symptoms of the condition stay the same throughout the year. Arthritis patients may experience more pain and discomfort if they miss their medication or are not exercising their joints regularly.
Myth #6: Arthritis cannot be prevented
Fact: This is a partial myth. One of the main risk factors of arthritis, i.e., advancing age, cannot be prevented. However, other risk factors, such as obesity and injuries, can be minimized or eliminated by keeping weight in check and wearing the right protective gear while playing a sport or working in industries.
Myth #7: Heat is better than ice for arthritis pain
Fact: Both heat and ice are good for the joints when used the right way. The application of heat can soothe the joints and muscles, thereby reducing pain and stiffness. On the other hand, ice or cold compress can ease joint inflammation.
Myth #8: Citrus fruits can worsen the condition
Fact: Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and other nutrients that offer many health benefits. Studies have shown that the right amount of vitamins can keep joints healthy and prevent inflammatory arthritis. Citrus fruits can also help those with osteoarthritis.
Myth #9: Nightshade vegetables can worsen arthritis symptoms
Fact: Some people claim that nightshade vegetables, such as eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes and peppers, can worsen the symptoms of arthritis. However, there is no evidence that these vegetables increase pain, inflammation and other arthritis symptoms.
Myth #10: Supplements can cure arthritis
Fact: Certain supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, omega-3 fatty acid and curcumin, can help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis but cannot cure the condition. A combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate can offer significant pain relief. These supplements have no side effects and are quite safe for arthritis patients.
Myth #11: An arthritis patient will always need a surgery
Fact: In most cases, arthritis can be managed with physiotherapy, medicines and lifestyle modifications. Consuming a healthy diet and making certain lifestyle changes can help one manage arthritis. Surgery becomes important in very few cases, mostly when the joints are severely damaged due to late diagnosis. The best health insurance policies cover arthritis surgery and other related expenses. So, remember to renew your health plan annually and keep it handy for such medical emergencies.
