There is a lot of misleading and inaccurate information being spread about arthritis. Most misconceptions are persistent, but arthritis patients need facts and valid information to deal with the disease.

 

Misconception number 1: Arthritis is a symptom of old age.

 

Fact: Anyone, regardless of age, can get arthritis. Children, young adults and middle-aged people of both sexes can suffer from arthritis. There are over 100 types of arthritis, some of which are more common in certain groups. Rheumatoid arthritis, fibrositis syndrome and lupus are more common in women.

More men than women suffer from gout and ankylosing spondylitis.

Psoriatic arthritis occurs equally in men and women.are more common. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects older people.

 

Misconception number 2: Arthritis is triggered by cold and damp climates.

 

Fact: It has long been theorised that cold and dampness cause arthritis. If an arthritis sufferer moves to a warm and dry climate, the symptoms are significantly alleviated. This leads many to conclude that the cold is the triggering factor. If this were the case, then there would be no arthritis patients in warm and dry climates. Arthritis pain is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage, regardless of the climate. However, heat has a soothing effect, whether through climatic conditions or a hot bath. Even people who do not suffer from arthritis often feel better in warmer climates. This is partly because people are more physically active in warmer weather and spend more time in the fresh air.

 

Misconception number 3: Arthritis can be cured.

 

Fact: To date, there is no scientifically proven cure for arthritis. A lot can be done to slow down the degeneration process and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, but so far there is nothing that can stop arthritis or reverse the damage it has caused.

 

Misconception number 4: Arthritis is caused by a poor diet.

 

Fact: There is no scientifically proven evidence that certain foods cause and prevent arthritis. What is certain is that a balanced diet, a normal body weight and sufficient exercise generally favour health. There are links between high uric acid levels due to poor diet and gout.

Unless someone has certain food allergies and eats these foods anyway, which promotes arthritis, there are no proven direct links between diet and arthritis.

 

Misconception number 5: Arthritis consists of minor pain.

 

Fact: Advertising leads us to believe that a pain pill will make arthritis pain go away, but arthritis can be associated with significant pain that requires targeted and aggressive treatment.

 

Misconception number 6: The pain is the same every day.

 

Fact: The intensity and duration of the pain varies from day to day. It is often difficult for other people to understand why an arthritis sufferer seemed perfectly healthy the day before and then complains of extreme pain the next day. The inconsistency of the disease even leads some people to suspect that the illness is imaginary or feigned. A typical characteristic of arthritis is the mixture of good and bad days, days with more and less pain.

 

Misconception number 7: You can't do anything with arthritis.

 

Fact: There are many things an arthritis sufferer can do. Often partners or family members of an arthritis sufferer are overly protective; they want to help too much and prevent the sufferer from remaining active. The disease limits the patient physically in many ways, but it does not make them completely dependent and disabled. It is very important for the patient's self-esteem that they retain as much of their independence and autonomy as possible.