5 Common Myths About Joint Pain and Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that occurs as a result of inflammation and pain in the joints. There are two major types of arthritis that can impact you. These are called rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. But, the information available on these two types is what misleads people and they refrain from getting the treatment done. We’ll discuss that in detail later.

Osteoarthritis is the most common one that occurs in people. In both cases, the cartilage wears out that is present between the bones. This is a lot of times called wear and tear disease. 

The best orthopedic specialist in Karachi says that there is a lot of information on the internet about this condition, but a lot of it is false or is full of myths. It is very important to make people aware and know about what actually is this disease and how it affects the body. It does cause damage to the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues in the body. 

To get rid of all the misinformation, the best approach is to look for what is right and what is wrong. Keep reading the article if you want to know about the myths and misconceptions related to arthritis or joint pain and live a life full of happiness.

Myth 1: Do not exercise when you have arthritis

Now, this is completely wrong to say that arthritis gets worse with exercise or physical activity. Although doctors stop the patients with arthritis from getting indulged in heavyweight exercises to a point. But, performing regular exercise, and performing simple physical activities are quite common and are always allowed. 

Exercise is very important if you want to keep your joints healthy and moving. It also helps immensely in increasing the strength of joints. It is always encouraged to have a healthy diet and also keep moving the joints even if a person has arthritis. 

Myth 2: All kinds of joint pain are arthritis

Well, if you feel like you have arthritis just because you are feeling pain the joints is completely wrong. There are a number of other conditions that are responsible for causing pain in the joints. These can be bursitis, tendonitis, or other injuries to soft tissues. Soft tissues are located around the joints that cause pain when they are swollen and can feel like joint pain. 

Osteoarthritis can occur in women that are above the age of 50. The symptoms usually are swelling and pain felt in the joints to a point where it gets difficult for you to move. 

It worsens over time and includes proper testing. When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, it can be tested by getting an Anti-CCP test.

Myth 3: Use heat and avoid ice on the joint

Well, it is a completely wrong thought. Both ice and heat can work great when it comes to curing arthritis pain. It just depends from person to person. The inflammation of the joints can be controlled by using ice at night time. This inflammation is the one that usually arises from daily activities. 

The use of heat is more beneficial when you want to relax the muscles that are used to move the stiff and hard joints. 

To apply the ice, use ice packs on the sore joints for around 20 minutes. If you don’t have an ice pack, take the ice in a piece of cloth and apply it to the area affected. When it comes to heat, a heating pad can do wonders.

Also, have a look at how to treat your chronic pain.

Myth 4: Arthritis has no cure

This is a myth that needs to be busted. It is completely wrong to say that arthritis can never be cured. Well, let me tell you that it can be cured by getting the needed treatment. 

 Lot of times the cartilage is removed and replaced by a new one. And in other cases, the doctor helps in several ways by giving medications or by referring to a physiotherapist. 

Myth 5: You can never prevent Arthritis

Now, to say that arthritis can be completely prevented is wrong. But I would say that this is partially true and partially not. There are a few factors that cannot be avoided in life. One of them is age. However, there are certain measures that can be taken to avoid arthritis from affecting you. 

People who are obese or are overweight are more likely to suffer from arthritis as coma[red to those who aren’t. Just like that people who smoke are also more likely to suffer from joint issues in their lives.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a very common condition that can affect a layman. With age, the risk does increase but every time you feel in your joint is not arthritis. Do your own research and make sure that you gather the right information. Do not believe in the myths until and unless you have your proper research done.