How does our site make you feel?
Great   Indifferent
Skip to main content

5 Myths About Arthritis

It’s a surprise to many people that arthritis has more than just a few variations. Instead, arthritis encompasses over 100 conditions, each causing joint inflammation and pain, though osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are by far the most common. Even if you’re aware of this, there are still plenty of myths and misinformation about arthritis.

If you’re living with arthritis pain, contact Westside Pain Specialists to explore solutions for your pain condition. Dr. James Nassiri and his team specialize in arthritis pain management, and they look forward to helping you live an active, pain-free life.

5 myths about arthritis

1. MYTH: You can’t avoid arthritis

If you smoke, you’re at greater risk of developing both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, so you can avoid these by quitting now, before they start. Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition, so being overweight may lead to excessive wear that results in joint pain due to arthritis. 

Even when your joints ache, staying active actually helps slow the progress of the condition. Combine weight loss with gentle physical activity and, if necessary, pain management, and you may sidestep more severe symptoms. There are some arthritic conditions you can’t avoid, so it makes sense to act on those that you can.

2. MYTH: Arthritis is for old people

Nope. Nearly 66% of Americans with arthritis are younger than 64. Age is a risk factor, particularly for osteoarthritis, but there’s no reason to expect that younger people get a free pass from arthritis. 

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects children under 16, and psoriatic arthritis commonly appears earlier in life. Rheumatoid arthritis has its origins in immune system dysfunction, so it can happen at any time. The hormonal changes during puberty can trigger rheumatoid arthritis.

3. MYTH: Rest is the best treatment for arthritis

Activity is generally good for arthritic joints, if it’s the right activity. Joint stiffness typically eases with stretching, and walking is almost always a good thing. As well as gently stretching the tissues of the joint that might otherwise atrophy, activity stimulates blood flow. 

Many arthritis sufferers could also benefit from shedding a few pounds. Losing even modest amounts of weight takes substantial pressure off weight-bearing joints like hips or knees, as well as improving your posture and other crucial body mechanics.

4. MYTH: Arthritis is curable

Arthritis is degenerative. There are precisely no cures for any of the types of arthritis. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and slowing progress. Regenerative medicine techniques including stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapies show good promise, but there’s no evidence yet that these reverse the effects of arthritis on joints.

5. MYTH: Weather doesn’t affect arthritis pain

You may see this myth presented the other way, but a study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2007 determined that, for people with osteoarthritis of the knee, sensing changes in barometric pressure and temperature does happen, and their arthritis pain changes with the conditions.

Now that you know the truth, contact Westside Pain Specialists by phone to schedule your pain management consultation with Dr. Nassiri, at either his Beverly Hills or Rancho Cucamonga, California, office. Feel free to send Dr. Nassiri and his team a message here on the website. 

You can move without pain. Find out how today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

5 Myths and Facts About IV Vitamin Therapy

5 Myths and Facts About IV Vitamin Therapy

The quickest way to provide your system with hydration, medication, and nutrients is through an intravenous (IV) infusion. That’s why IV poles are so prominent in hospitals. Therapeutic vitamin therapy is also an option for everyday health. 
How Can I Treat Chronic Pain Without Medication?

How Can I Treat Chronic Pain Without Medication?

Chronic pain — symptoms lasting three months or more — can be difficult to manage. Medications may work in the short term, but side effects and drug dependence make them less than ideal for chronic issues. Do you have alternatives without medicine?
Oh, My Aching Joints!

Oh, My Aching Joints!

Joint pain is a common complaint, and it can happen anywhere on your body, from your fingers and toes to your shoulders, hips, knees, and more. Understanding the causes of joint pain can help you get relief.
Does Knee Pain Respond Well to Surgery?

Does Knee Pain Respond Well to Surgery?

While knee surgery isn’t considered among the most painful, any surgery can cause discomfort in the recovery stages. Most knee surgeries target some form of knee pain, usually with successful results.
Will My Sciatica Pain Keep Getting Worse?

Will My Sciatica Pain Keep Getting Worse?

Pain from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve creates a collection of symptoms referred to as sciatica. Usually, these symptoms resolve with a minimum of care, but it’s possible they become chronic or more intense over time.
Is PRP Right for Me?

Is PRP Right for Me?

Your body is often its own best healer. The field of regenerative medicine recognizes this principle and focuses on helping natural healing systems work more efficiently. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy brings extra resources to help the process.